Adalimumab formulations

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel liquid pharmaceutical compositions of adalimumab, which include adalimumab or a biosimilar thereof, an histidine buffering agent such as histidine (or histidine buffer system such as histidine/imidiazolium-histidine), and a sugar stabiliser such as trehalose. Such a combination of components furnishes formulations having a stability (e.g. on storage and when exposed to stress) which is comparable to or an improvement upon those known in the art, and with fewer ingredients. Such advances will help adalimumab treatments to become more widely available at lower cost, and prolong the viability of pre-loaded delivery devices (e.g. pre-filled syringes) to reduce unnecessary waste of the drug.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates to a novel protein formulation. In particular, the invention relates to a liquid pharmaceutical composition of adalimumab, to a method of manufacturing the composition, to a kit including the composition, to a package including the composition, to a method of manufacturing the package, and to methods of treatment using the composition and/or package.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-related autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases, has been archieved through the use of FDA-approved drugs such as Adalimumab (HUMIRA®, Abbott Corporation). Adalimumab is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits human TNF-α activity so as to prevent it from activating TNF receptors, thereby downregulating inflammatory responses associated with autoimmune diseases. Approved medical indications for Adalimumab include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe chronic psoriasis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Adalimumab is generally delivered to a patient via subcutaneous injection, and is thus provided in a liquid form, typically in packages such as vials, preloaded syringes, or preloaded “pen devices”. Commercially available pen devices (HUMIRA® Pen) generally include a 1 mL pre-filled glass syringe, preloaded with 0.8 mL of a sterile formulation of 40 mg Adalimumab (see below), with a fixed needle (either gray natural rubber or a latex free version) and a needle cover. Commercial formulations (HUMIRA®) of Adalimumab contain the following ingredients:

Amount per container (mg) Amount Ingredient (filling volume = 0.8 mL) (mg/mL) Adalimumab 40 50 Citric Acid Monohydrate 1.04 1.3 Dibasic sodium phosphate 1.22 1.53 dihydrate Mannitol 9.6 12 Monobasic sodium phosphate 0.69 0.86 dihydrate Polysorbate 80 0.8 1 Sodium chloride 4.93 6.16 Sodium citrate 0.24 0.3 WFI and sodium hydroxide q.b. to adjust q.b. to adjust pH to 5.2 pH to 5.2

Adalimumab, and its method of manufacture, is described in WO97/29131 (BASF) as D2E7, and elsewhere in the art.

Though the aforementioned commercial formulation of Adalimumab is stable (at least to some extent), the relevant antibody may be unstable over prolonged periods or under stressed conditions, thus precluding prolonged storage of said formulations. Such degradation of the formulation may be due to a variety of factors, including:

-   -   Physical effects, such as:         -   Inadequate inhibition of aggregation of the relevant protein             molecules (a function supposedly served by TWEEN® 80             (polysorbate 80));         -   Inadequate inhibition of precipitation;         -   Inadequate inhibition of adsorption of the relevant protein             molecules at the interface of water and air or at the             contact surface of any packaging material (a function             supposedly served by TWEEN® 80 (polysorbate 80));         -   Inadequate regulation of osmotic pressure (a function             supposedly served by mannitol);     -   Chemical effects, such as:         -   Inadequate regulation of oxidation (a function supposedly             served by mannitol and potentially undermined by TWEEN® 80             (polysorbate 80)), which can promoted oxidation of double             bonds);         -   Inadquate inhibition of photo-oxidation;         -   Inadquate inhibition of hydrolysis of ester bonds leading to             the formation of acid, aldehyde and peroxide products, thus             affecting the stability of the antibody;         -   Inadequate stabilisation and maintenance of pH;         -   Inadequate inhibition of protein fragmentation;         -   Inadequate inhibition of protein unfolding;

Any, some, or all of the above factors can lead to either an unviable drug product (which may be unsafe for use in medical treatments) or a drug product whose viability is variable and unpredictable, especially in view of the variable stresses (agitation, heat, light) different batches of drug product may be exposed to during manufacture, transport, and storage.

In terms of the physical and chemical stabilisation of Adalimumab, the complex array of components within the aforementioned commercial formulations appears to perform below expectations, especially in view of the large number of components. Though this particular combination of excipients undoubtably represents a ‘delicate balance’ (given the interplay between various technical factors) and was the result of extensive research and development, in view of the apparent risk of underperformance it is questionable whether such a large number of different excipients is justified, especially given that this inevitably increases processing and cost burdens, toxicity risks, and risks of deleterious interactions between components that could compromise the formulation. Even if the overall performance of the commercial formulations could not be surpassed, an alternative formulation having comparative performance but containing few components would represent a highly desirable replacement for the commercial formulations, for at least the aforesaid reasons.

In order to guarantee reproducible clinical performance of a protein-based pharmaceutical product, such products must remain in a stable and consistent form over time. It is well-established that molecular alterations can occur during every stage of the manufacturing process, including during the production of the final formulation and during storage. Molecular alterations can modify a quality attribute of a biopharmaceutical product, resulting in an undesirable change in the identity, strength or purity of the product. Some such problems are outlined above.

The primary goal of formulation development is to provide a pharmaceutical composition that will support the stability of a biopharmaceutical protein during all stages of its production, storage, shipping and use. Formulation development for an innovative biopharmaceutical protein, or a biosimilar monoclonal antibody (mAb), is essential to its safety, clinical efficacy and commercial success.

There is therefore a need for the provision of alternative or improved liquid formulations of adalimumab. Desirably, any new formulations would solve at least one of the aforementioned problems and/or at least one problem inherent in the prior art, and may suitably solve two or more of said problems. Desirably, the problem(s) of the prior art may be solved whilst reducing the complexity of the formulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising adalimumab (which suitably includes any biosimilar thereof); a histidine buffering agent (or histidine buffer system); and a sugar stabiliser; wherein the composition optionally comprises (or excludes) any one or more additional components defined herein in relation to a liquid pharmaceutical composition (e.g. including tonicifier, excluding arginine, etc.), optionally in any amount, concentration, or form stipulated herein; and wherein the composition optionally exhibits any one or more parameters or properties given herein in relation to a liquid pharmaceutical composition (e.g. pH, osmolality, aggregation, fragmentation, protein unfolding, turbity, etc.).

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising adalimumab; an histidine buffering agent (or histidine buffer system); and a sugar stabiliser; wherein the composition has a pH greater than or equal to pH 6.30.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising adalimumab; an histidine buffering agent (or histidine buffer system); and a sugar stabiliser; wherein the composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of arginine (suitably L-arginine) or comprises arginine in a concentration of at most 0.1 mM.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising adalimumab; an histidine buffering agent (or histidine buffer system); and a sugar stabiliser; wherein the composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other than histidine or comprises one or more amino acids other than histidine in a (collective) concentration of at most 0.1 mM.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a package (e.g. pre-filled syringe, pen, intravenous bag, or a package/container containing any of the aforementioned) comprising a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a drug delivery device (e.g. pre-filled syringe or pen, or intravenous bag) comprising a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a drug delivery device, a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein (optionally contained in a package or container), and optionally a set of instructions with directions regarding the administration (e.g. sub-cutaneous) of the liquid pharmaceutical composition.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a liquid pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising mixing together adalimumab; an histidine buffering agent (or histidine buffer system); a sugar stabiliser; and optionally any one or more additional components defined herein in relation to a liquid pharmaceutical composition, optionally in any amount, concentration, or form stipulated; and optionally adjusting any one or more parameters given herein in relation to a liquid pharmaceutical composition (e.g. pH, osmolality).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid pharmaceutical composition obtainable by, obtained by, or directly obtained by a method of manufacturing a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a package or a drug delivery device, the method comprising incorporating a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein within a package or drug delivery device.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a package or a drug delivery device obtainable by, obtained by, or directly obtained by a method of manufacturing a package or a drug delivery device as defined herein.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a disease or medical disorder in a patient in need of such treatment, said method comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein for use in therapy.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a use of a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease or disorder.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-related autoimmune disease in a patient in need of such treatment, said method comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein for use in the treatment of a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-related autoimmune disease.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a use of a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-related autoimmune disease.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe chronic psoriasis and/or juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a patient in need of such treatment, said method comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein for use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe chronic psoriasis and/or juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention there is provided a use of a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe chronic psoriasis and/or juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

In further aspects, the invention provides a liquid pharmaceutical composition, a package, a drug delivery device, a kit of parts, a method of manufacturing a liquid pharmaceutical composition, a method of manufacturing a package or a drug delivery device, a method of treating, a liquid pharmaceutical composition for use, and a use of a liquid pharmaceutical composition in the manufacture of a medicament, essentially as defined herein (including in any of the aforementioned twenty aspects) except that, rather than being specific to “adalimumab” (and biosimilars thereof), the invention may instead apply (and thereby be defined as relating) to any TNF-α-inhibiting antibody (anti-TNF-α antibody) (or any biosimilar thereof), albeit suitably an antibody that inhibits human TNF-α activity, and most suitably a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits human TNF-α activity. Suitably the anti-TNF-α antibody is a therapeutically effective medicament (at least when administered in appropriate quantities to a patient in need thereof) (or a biosimlar thereof—see below for definitions of biosimilars in relation to adalimumab, which applies equally to all anti-TNF-α antibodies), suitably one which has received FDA approval. As such, any reference herein to “adalimumab” may, unless incompatible therewith, be construed as a reference to any anti-TNF-α antibody for the purpose of these additional aspects of the invention (whether this relates to absolute or relative amounts, concentrations, parameters, or properties, or whether it relates to certain definitions, such as what constitutes a biosimilar).

One of these further aspects of the present invention provides a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-TNF-α antibody (which suitably includes any biosimilar thereof); a histidine buffering agent (or a histidine buffer system); and a sugar stabiliser; wherein the composition optionally comprises (or excludes) any one or more additional components defined herein in relation to a liquid pharmaceutical composition (e.g. including surfactant, excluding arginine, etc.), optionally in any amount, concentration, or form stipulated herein; and wherein the composition optionally exhibits any one or more parameters or properties given herein in relation to a liquid pharmaceutical composition (e.g. pH, osmolality, aggregation, fragmentation, protein unfolding, turbity, etc.).

In a particular embodiment, the anti-TNF-α antibody is selected from the group including adalimumab, infliximab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab.

Any features, including optional, suitable, and preferred features, described in relation to any particular aspect of the invention may also be features, including optional, suitable and preferred features, of any other aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same are put into effect, reference is now made, by way of example, to the following diagrammatic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a bar chart showing the protein content (mg/mL), as determined by OD, of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after 4 weeks (red bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 2 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (green bars) and 4 weeks (orange bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 3 is a bar chart showing the % fragmentation, as determined by a Bioanalyzer, of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (dark blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (pink bars) and 4 weeks (light blue bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 4 is a bar chart showing the unfolding temperature (° C.), as determined by DSF, of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations).

FIG. 5 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (red bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (green bars) and 4 weeks (purple bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 6 is a bar chart showing the % fragmentation, as determined by a Bioanalyzer, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (red bars) and 4 weeks (green bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 7 is a bar chart showing the main peak isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (red bars) and 4 weeks (green bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 8 is a bar chart showing the acid cluster peak(s) isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (red bars) and 4 weeks (green bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 9 is a bar chart showing the turbidity, as determined by Nephelometry, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (red bars) and 4 weeks (green bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 10 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 24 hours (red bars) and 48 hours (green bars) of the formulation(s) being mechanically agitated (shaking).

FIG. 11 is a bar chart showing the % fragmentation, as determined by a Bioanalyzer, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 24 hours (red bars) and 48 hours (green bars) of the formulation(s) being mechanically agitated (shaking).

FIG. 12 is a bar chart showing the turbidity, as determined by Nephelometry, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 24 hours (red bars) and 48 hours (green bars) of the formulation(s) being mechanically agitated (shaking).

FIG. 13 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

FIG. 14 is a bar chart showing the % fragmentation, as determined by a Bioanalyzer, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

FIG. 15 is a bar chart showing the main peak isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

FIG. 16 is a bar chart showing the acid cluster peak(s) isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

FIG. 17 is a bar chart showing the turbidity, as determined by Nephelometry, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

FIG. 18 is a bar chart showing the main peak isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

FIG. 19 is a bar chart showing the acid cluster peak(s) isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

FIG. 20 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

FIG. 21 is a bar chart showing the number concentration (#/mg) of sub-visible particles with a particle size less than or equal to 10 microns, as determined by sub-visible particle count analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

FIG. 22 is a bar chart showing the number concentration (#/mg) of sub-visible particles with a particle size less than or equal to 25 microns, as determined by sub-visible particle count analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in the specification and claims have the following meanings set out below.

References herein to “adalimumab” include the originator drug substance (as commercially available), adalimumab as defined in WO97/29131 (BASF) (particularly D2E7 therein) and elsewhere in the art, and also biosimilars thereof. D2E7 of WO97/29131 “has a light chain CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a heavy chain CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4”. Preferably, the D2E7 antibody has a light chain variable region (LCVR) comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. WO97/29131 gives details of each of these sequence listings. References herein to “adalimumab” may include biosimilars which, for instance, may share at least 75%, suitably at least 80%, suitably at least 85%, suitably at least 90%, suitably at least 95%, suitably at least 96%, suitably at least 97%, suitably at least 98% or most suitably at least 99% protein sequence identity with any one of protein sequences disclosed in either WO97/29131 (especially in relation to D2E7) or elsewhere in relation to “adalimumab”. Alternatively or additionally, references herein to “adalimumab” may include biosimilars which exhibit at least 75%, suitably at least 80%, suitably at least 85%, suitably at least 90%, suitably at least 95%, suitably at least 96%, suitably at least 97%, suitably at least 98% or most suitably at least 99% protein sequence homology with any one of protein sequences disclosed in either WO97/29131 (especially in relation to D2E7) or elsewhere in relation to “adalimumab”. Alternatively or additionally, a biosimilar may have a (slightly) different glycosylation profile, even if the protein sequence is substantially the same or different to the extent specified above.

The term “biosimilar” (also know as follow-on biologics) is well known in the art, and the skilled person would readily appreciate when a drug substance would be considered a biosimilar of adalimumab. Furthermore, such “biosimilars” would need to be officially approved as a “biosimilar” for marketing before said “biosimilar” is sold on the open market. The term “biosimilar” is generally used to describe subsequent versions (generally from a different source) of “innovator biopharmaceutical products” (“biologics” whose drug substance is made by a living organisim or devived from a living organism or through recombinant DNA or controlled gene expression methodologies) that have been previously officially granted marketing authorisation. Since biologics have a high degree of molecular complexity, and are generally sensitive to changes in manufacturing processes (e.g. if different cell lines are used in their production), and since subsequent follow-on manufacturers generally do not have access to the originator's molecular clone, cell bank, know-how regarding the fermentation and purification process, nor to the active drug substance itself (only the innovator's commercialized drug product), any “biosimilar” is unlikely to be exactly the same as the innovator drug product.

For the purposes of various molar calculatations (e.g. for molar ratios between adalimumab and another component of the liquid pharmaceutical composition of the invention) the molecular weight of adalimumab may be taken to be 144190.3 g/mol (reference molecular weight) based on details disclosed on the CAS database for CAS #331731-18-1, Adalimumab, where the molecular formula is taken as C₆₄₂₈H₉₉₁₂N₁₆₉₄O₁₉₈₇S₄₆. As such, a liquid pharmaceutical composition containing 50 mg/mL adalimumab may be considered a 0.347 mM (or 347 μM) solution of adalimumab. This is not intended to be in any way limiting regarding the nature of any biosimilars of adalimumab covered by the scope of the present invention, nor the level of glycosylation, either of which may effect the actual molecular weight. However, where a biosimilar does have a different molecular weight, the abovementioned reference molecular weight should be suitably used for the purposes of assessing whether or not such a biosimilar falls within the scope of any molar definitions stipulated within this specification. So the number of moles in a known weight of said biosimilar should be calculated, just for the purposes of this invention, using the above reference molecular weight.

Herein, the term “buffer” or “buffer solution” refers to a generally aqueous solution comprising a mixture of an acid (usually a weak acid, e.g. acetic acid, citric acid, imidazolium form of histidine) and its conjugate base (e.g. an acetate or citrate salt, for example, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, or histidine) or alternatively a mixture of a base (usually a weak base, e.g. histidine) and its conjugate acid (e.g. protonated histidine salt). The pH of a “buffer solution” will change very only slightly upon addition of a small quantity of strong acid or base due to the “buffering effect” imparted by the “buffering agent”.

Herein, a “buffer system” comprises one or more buffering agent(s) and/or an acid/base conjugate(s) thereof, and more suitably comprises one or more buffering agent(s) and an acid/base conjugate(s) thereof, and most suitably comprises one buffering agent only and an acid/base conjugate thereof. Unless stated otherwise, any concentrations stipulated herein in relation to a “buffer system” (i.e. a buffer concentration) suitably refers to the combined concentration of the buffering agent(s) and/or acid/base conjugate(s) thereof. In other words, concentrations stipulated herein in relation to a “buffer system” suitably refer to the combined concentration of all the relevant buffering species (i.e. the species in dynamic equilibrium with one another, e.g. citrate/citric acid). As such, a given concentration of a histidine buffer system generally relates to the combined concentration of histidine and the imidazolium form of histidine. However, in the case of histidine, such concentrations are usually straightforward to calculate by reference to the input quantities of histidine or a salt thereof. The overall pH of the composition comprising the relevant buffer system is generally a reflection of the equilibrium concentration of each of the relevant buffering species (i.e. the balance of buffering agent(s) to acid/base conjugate(s) thereof).

Herein, the term “buffering agent” refers to an acid or base component (usually a weak acid or weak base) of a buffer or buffer solution. A buffering agent helps maintain the pH of a given solution at or near to a pre-determined value, and the buffering agents are generally chosen to complement the pre-determined value. A buffering agent is suitably a single compound which gives rise to a desired buffering effect, especially when said buffering agent is mixed with (and suitably capable of proton exchange with) an appropriate amount (depending on the pre-determined pH desired) of its corresponding “acid/base conjugate”, or if the required amount of its corresponding “acid/base conjugate” is formed in situ—this may be achieved by adding strong acid or base until the required pH is reached. By way of example:

-   -   A histidine “buffering agent” is the free amino acid, histidine.         Since amino acids such as histidine are amphoteric, and thus         capable of behaving as both an acid and base, the “buffering         agent” is simply the amphoteric compound itself (suitably in         zwitterionic form). However, a histidine buffer system or buffer         solution may optionally have, added thereto in addition to         histidine, a quantity of acid (suitably a strong acid, such as         hydrochloric acid) or base (suitably a strong base, such as         sodium hydroxide) until the desired pH is reached. As such, some         of the histidine present may exhibit a different protonation         state than the zwitterionic amino acid. Herein, except where the         contrary is stated, any concentrations given in relation to a         histidine buffer system suitably refer to the combined         concentration of the buffering agent (e.g. histidine) and/or         acid/base conjugate(s) thereof (e.g. imidazolium form of         histidine). The skilled person is readily able to calculate such         concentrations, and may do so by simple reference to the input         quantities of histidine or its acid/base conjugate (e.g.         histidine hydrochloride). Such concentrations may be calculated         by reference to the combined concentrations of buffering         agent(s) and acid/base conjugate(s), where a buffer system is         formed by simply mixing together buffering agent(s) and         acid/base conjugate(s). Alternatively, where a buffer system is         formed by mixing either the buffering agent(s) or acid/base         conjugate(s) with a pH adjuster (e.g. strong acid or strong         base) to produce a mixture of each, suitably such concentrations         may be calculated by reference to the starting         amounts/concentrations of the buffering agent(s) or acid/base         conjugate(s) respectively. For example, where a buffer system is         formed using a known amount/concentration of histidine which is         mixed with a pH adjuster (e.g. sodium hydroxide) until the         desired pH is reached, the concentration of the buffer system         may be calculated by reference to the initial amount of         histidine. Likewise, the same applies where a buffer system is         formed using a known amount/concentration of histidine         imidazolium salt (e.g. histidine hydrochloride) mixed with a pH         adjuster (e.g. sodium hydroxide) until the desired pH is         reached—in this case the concentration of the buffer system may         be calculated by reference to the initial amount of histidine         imidazolium salt.

Herein, an “acid/base conjugate” refers to the conjugate acid or conjugate base (whichever is relevant at a particular pH—typically the conjugate acid in the context of the present invention) of a particular “buffering agent”. The acid/base conjugate of a histidine buffering agent (e.g. histidine) is suitably the imidazolium form of histidine, suitably an imidazolium salt of histidine. The imidazolium form of histidine may be referred to herein as “imidazolium-histidine”, and has the structure:

An imidazolium salt of histidine may be referred to as histidine-imidazolium salt, and has essentially the same structure as shown above save for an associated counteraction.

Herein, the term “buffering species” refers to the particular species (excluding any associated counteranions or countercations—i.e. ignore chloride or hydroxide counter-ions for histidine/imidazolium-histidine systems) of a given buffer system which are in dynamic equilibrium with (and proton-exchange with) one another. For example, histidine and imidazolium-histidine may together constitute the “histidine buffering species” of a “histidine buffer system”.

Since it is often somewhat difficult to define quantities (whether absolute or relative) of a buffer system by reference to weight (since the total weight will depend on the desired pH, which will affect the amount of counterions present), herein weight-based quantities may instead be determined by reference to a theoretical weight of the relevant “buffering species”. At least two species are generally present in any given set of “buffering species” (in relative amounts that can only be determined by reference to the pH), each with a different molecular weight (which usually differs by just 1). Therefore, to enable viable weight calculations and references, for the purposes of this specification the weight of any given set of “buffering species” is given as a theoretical weight based on just one of the buffering species, namely the most basic of the buffering species (i.e. the least protonated form at any given pH). So the weight of a given set of “buffering species” is quoted as the weight of basic-species equivalents. By way of example, in a histidine buffer system the histidine buffering species may consist of histidine and imidazolium-histidine cations. The weight of the “buffering species” is therefore calculated as if histidine was the only species present in the buffer system (even if imidiazolium-histidine is present alongside histidine). Thus, any reference to a weight or weight ratio involving a “histidine buffering species” suitably refers to the theoretical weight of histidine equivalents within the buffer system. As such, where a composition is formed by adding a pH adjuster (e.g. sodium hydroxide) to a fixed amount of imidazolium histidine, or indeed to a fixed amount of histidine (which may suitably form some imidazolium-histidine upon dissolution in the diluent), the original weight of histidine may be considered to be the weight of the “buffering species” regardless of the ultimate pH. Alternatively, if the concentration (i.e. molarity) of a buffer system is known, this can be converted into a weight of “buffering species” by reference to the molecular weight of the most basic form of the relevant buffering species (e.g. histidine), and ignoring the fact that imidazolium-histidine cations are also present.

Unless stated otherwise, references herein to an “amino acid” or “amino acids”, whether specific (e.g. arginine, histidine) or general (e.g. any amino acid), in the context of their presence or otherwise within compositions (especially pharmaceutical liquid compositions of the invention) relate to the corresponding free amino acid(s) (regardless of its/their protonation state and/or salt form, though for consistency amounts are suitably calculated by reference to the free amino acid per se). This may suitably include natural and/or artificial amino acids. Unless stated to the contrary, such references are not intended to relate to amino acid residue(s) covalently incorporated as part of a larger compound (as opposed to a composition comprising multiple compounds), such as a peptide or protein (where such amino acid residues are linked via peptide bonds). As such, though adalimumab, as a protein, contains amino acid residues, it is not considered to comprise any “free amino acid(s)”. By way of example, a composition defined as being “free of arginine” does not contain any free arginine but it may still include one or more proteins (e.g. adalimumab) which do themselves comprise arginine residues.

Unless stated otherwise, references herein to any one or more “amino acids”, whether specific or general, suitably relate to the L-stereoisomers or a racemate thereof, most suitably L-amino acids.

The term “substantially free”, when used in relation to a given component of a composition (e.g. “a liquid pharmaceutical composition substantially free of arginine”), refers to a composition to which essentially none of said component has been added. As explained above, such references have no bearing on the presence of amino acid residue(s) within a protein structure. When a composition is “substantially free” of a given component, said composition suitably comprises no more than 0.001 wt % of said component, suitably no more than 0.0001 wt % of said component, suitably no more than 0.00001 wt %, suitably no more than 0.000001 wt %, suitably no more than 0.0000001 wt % thereof, most suitably no more than 0.0001 parts per billion (by weight).

The term “entirely free”, when used in relation to a given component of a composition (e.g. “a liquid pharmaceutical composition substantially free of arginine”), refers to a composition containing none of said component. As explained above, such references have no bearing on the presence of amino acid residue(s) within a protein structure.

Herein, in the context of the present specification, a “strong acid” is suitably one having a pK_(a) of −1.0 or less, whereas a “weak acid” is suitably one having a pK_(a) of 2.0 or more. Herein, in the context of the present specification, a “strong base” is suitably one whose conjugate acid has a pK_(a) of 12 or higher (suitably 14 or higher), whereas a “weak base” is suitably one whose conjugate acid has a pK_(a) of 10 or less.

Herein, a “stabiliser” refers to a component which facilitates maintenance of the structural integrity of the biopharmaceutical drug, particularly during freezing and/or lyophilization and/or storage (especially when exposed to stress). This stabilising effect may arise for a variety of reasons, though typically such stabilisers may act as osmolytes which mitigate against protein denaturation. Typical stabilisers include amino acids (i.e. free amino acids not part of a peptide or protein—e.g. glycine, arginine, histidine, aspartic acid, lysine) and sugar stabilisers, such as a sugar polyol (e.g. mannitol, sorbitol), and/or a disaccharide (e.g. trehalose, sucros, maltose, lactose), though the liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include a stabiliser, at least one of which is a sugar stabiliser (i.e. either a sugar polyol or a disaccharide). Most suitably the at least one sugar stabiliser is a non-reducing sugar (be it a sugar polyol or a disaccharide).

Herein, a “non-reducing sugar” is generally a sugar without any aldehyde moieties or without the capability of forming an aldehyde moiety (e.g. through isomerism).

Herein, a “tonicity modifier” or “tonicifier” refers to a reagent whose inclusion within a composition suitably contributes to (or increases) the overall osmolality and osmolarity of the composition. Suitably, a tonicifier, as used herein includes an agent which functions to render a solution similar in osmotic characteristics to physiologic fluids.

Herein, references to specific amounts of a given component of a composition, especially a buffering agent, stabiliser, amino acid, surfactant, or tonicifier, suitably relate to the amounts of the pure anhydrous form of the relevant component (or compositions formed by using said amounts of the pure anhydrous form), even though such a component may be used in a non-anhydrous form when forming the composition. Amounts of any corresponding non-anhydrous forms (e.g. monohydrates, dihydrates, etc.) may be readily calculated by simply using the appropriate multiplier. For instance, unless stated otherwise (as per the Examples, where quantities relate to trehalose dihydrate), amounts stipulated in relation to trehalose refer to the anhydrous form of trehalose (or compositions formed by using the stipulated amounts/concentrations of anhydrous trehalose), which has a molecular weight of 342.296 g/mol, so to calculate the corresponding amount of trehalose dihydrate needed to form the same composition (less water would have to be added) it is necessary to multiply the stipulated amount by 378.33/342.296, since 378.33 is the molecular weight of trehalose dihydrate. The skilled person would readily understand how to judiciously adjust the quantity of diluent/water depending on the form of the components used, in order to derive the target concentrations.

Herein, the term “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a formulation of a pharmaceutical active which renders the biological activity of the active ingredient therapeutically effective, but which does not include other ingredients which are obviously toxic to a subject to which the formulation are intended to be administered.

Herein, the term “stable” generally refers to the physical stability and/or chemical stability and/or biological stability of a component, typically an active or composition thereof, during preservation/storage.

It is to be appreciated that references to “treating” or “treatment” include prophylaxis as well as the alleviation of established symptoms of a condition. “Treating” or “treatment” of a state, disorder or condition therefore includes: (1) preventing or delaying the appearance of clinical symptoms of the state, disorder or condition developing in a human that may be afflicted with or predisposed to the state, disorder or condition but does not yet experience or display clinical or subclinical symptoms of the state, disorder or condition, (2) inhibiting the state, disorder or condition, i.e., arresting, reducing or delaying the development of the disease or a relapse thereof (in case of maintenance treatment) or at least one clinical or subclinical symptom thereof, or (3) relieving or attenuating the disease, i.e., causing regression of the state, disorder or condition or at least one of its clinical or subclinical symptoms.

In the context of the present invention, a “therapeutically effective amount” or “effective amount” of the antibody means an amount that is effective, when administered to a mammal for treating a disease or disorder, in prophylactic and therapeutic aspect and the antibody is effective in treatment of the diseases concerned.

The “therapeutically effective amount” will vary depending on the compound, the disease and its severity and the age, weight, etc., of the mammal to be treated.

The term “human TNF-α” refers to the human cytokine which exists in a 17 kD secreted form and a 26 kD membrane-associated form, and in a biologically active form, TNF-α could be observed as a trimer of covalently-bound 17 kD molecule. Its specific structure can be found in Pennica, D. et al. (1984) Nature 312: 724-729; Davis, J. M. et al. (1987) Biochemistry 26, 1322-1326; and Jones, E. Y. et al. (1989) Nature 338: 225-228.

The term “recombinant human antibody” is intended to include a human antibody prepared, expressed, produced or isolated using a recombinant method.

Herein, amounts stipulated for components and ingredients, whether specified in terms of “parts”, ppm (parts per million), percentages (%, e.g. wt %), or ratios, are intended to be by weight, unless stated otherwise.

Where the quantity or concentration of a particular component of a given composition is specified as a weight percentage (wt % or % w/w), said weight percentage refers to the percentage of said component by weight relative to the total weight of the composition as a whole. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the sum of weight percentages of all components of a composition (whether or not specified) will total 100 wt %. However, where not all components are listed (e.g. where compositions are said to “comprise” one or more particular components), the weight percentage balance may optionally be made up to 100 wt % by unspecified ingredients (e.g. a diluent, such as water, or other non-essentially but suitable additives).

Herein, unless stated otherwise, the term “parts” (e.g. parts by weight, pbw) when used in relation to multiple ingredients/components, refers to relative ratios between said multiple ingredients/components. Expressing molar or weight ratios of two, three or more components gives rise to the same effect (e.g. a molar ratio of x, y, and z is x₁:y₁:z₁ respectively, or a range x₁-x₂:y₁-y₂:z₁-z₂). Though in many embodiments the amounts of individual components within a composition may be given as a “wt %” value, in alternative embodiments any or all such wt % values may be converted to parts by weight (or relative ratios) to define a multi-component composition. This is so because the relative ratios between components is often more important than the absolute concentrations thereof in the liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. Where a composition comprising multiple ingredients is described in terms of parts by weight alone (i.e. to indicate only relative ratios of ingredients), it is not necessary to stipulate the absolute amounts or concentrations of said ingredients (whether in toto or individually) because the advantages of the invention can stem from the relative ratios of the respective ingredients rather than their absolute quantities or concentrations. However, in certain embodiments, such compositions consists essentially of or consist of the stipulated ingredients and a diluents (e.g. water).

Where a composition is said to comprise a plurality of stipulated ingredients (optionally in stipulated amounts of concentrations), said composition may optionally include additional ingredients other than those stipulated. However, in certain embodiments, a composition said to comprise a plurality of stipulated ingredients may in fact consist essentially of or consist of all the stipulated ingredients.

Herein, where a composition is said to “consists essentially of” a particular component, said composition suitably comprises at least 70 wt % of said component, suitably at least 90 wt % thereof, suitably at least 95 wt % thereof, most suitably at least 99 wt % thereof. Suitably, a composition said to “consist essentially of” a particular component consists of said component save for one or more trace impurities.

Herein, the term “particle size” or “pore size” refers respectively to the length of the longest dimension of a given particle or pore. Both sizes may be measured using a laser particle size analyser and/or electron microscopes (e.g. tunneling electron microscope, TEM, or scanning electron microscope, SEM). The particle count (for any given size) can be obtained using the protocols and equipment outlined in the Examples, which relates to the particle count of sub-visible particles.

Liquid Pharmaceutical Composition

The present invention provides a liquid pharmaceutical composition, suitably as defined herein. The composition suitably comprises a human monoclonal antibody, suitably one which inhibits human TNF-α activity, suitably so as to prevent it from activating TNF receptors. Most suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, which in itself suitably includes any biosimilar thereof. The composition suitably comprises an histidine buffering agent (or histidine buffer system). The composition suitably comprises a sugar stabiliser. The composition suitably has a pH greater than or equal to pH 6.30. The composition is suitably (substantially or entirely) free of arginine or comprises arginine either in a concentration of at most 0.1 mM, in a molar ratio of arginine to histidine buffering agent (or histidine buffer system) of at most 1:150, or in a weight ratio of arginine to adalimumab of at most 1:3000 (i.e. less than or equal to one part by weight of histidine for every 3000 parts by weight histidine buffering agent). Alternatively or in addition, the composition may suitably include any one or more additional components defined herein in relation to a liquid pharmaceutical composition (e.g. including tonicifier, excluding arginine, etc.), optionally in any amount, concentration, or form stipulated herein; and wherein the composition optionally exhibits any one or more parameters or properties given herein in relation to a liquid pharmaceutical composition (e.g. pH, osmolality).

Advantageously, the present invention provides alternative and improved liquid pharmaceutical compositions, which generally exhibit better stability and viability than those of the prior art. As is illustrated herein (see Examples), the liquid pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention have comparable or improved characteristics when compared to the conventional formulations of adalimumab, for example the commercially available formulation Humira®, when subjected to different stressing conditions (thermal, mechanical and light). Their performance is also generally comparable or better than many other comparative formulations that were subjected to the same stress testing. Since these stressing conditions are highly representative of the kind of stress such formulations are subjected to during manufacture, transport, and storage, they provide an excellent indication of the advantages of the invention. That such good stability performance can be achieved using less complex formulations with fewer excipients was considered surprising in view of the general teachings of the prior art.

Adalimumab

Adalimumab, which is commercially available in HUMIRA® formulations, and its method of manufacture, is described in WO97/29131 (BASF) as D2E7, and elsewhere in the art. It is described as having “a light chain CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a heavy chain CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4” (WO97/29131). Furthermore, the D2E7 antibody is described as having a light chain variable region (LCVR) comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 (WO97/29131).

The medical indications and function of Adalimumab, are elucidated hereinbefore.

In the context of the invention “adalimumab” includes biosimilars, as defined herein before, and the skilled person would readily appreciate the scope of the term “adalimumab” in the context of the invention.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab at a concentration of from about 5 to about 150 mg/ml, suitably from about 25 to about 75 mg/mL. For example, the adalimumab may be present in the formulation at a concentration of about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70 or about 75 mg/ml. In an embodiment, the adalimumab is present at a concentration from about 45 to about 55 mg/ml. In an embodiment, the adalimumab is present at a concentration of about 50 mg/ml.

Buffer, Buffering Agent, and pH

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition is a buffered solution whose pH is stabilised by a buffering agent (or buffer system), suitably in combination with an acid/base conjugate of the buffering agent. As such, the liquid pharmaceutical composition suitably comprises a buffering agent as defined herein. Preferably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition additionally comprises an acid/base conjugate, wherein said acid/base conjugate corresponds to the conjugate acid or conjugate base of the buffering agent, depending on whether the buffering agent is itself a base or acid respectively. Collectively, the buffering agent and its acid/base conjugate may be considered a “buffer system”. The liquid pharmaceutical composition thus suitably comprises a “buffer system” (suitably comprising a buffering agent(s) and an acid/base conjugate(s) thereof), and any concentrations stipulated in relation to the buffer system generally relate to the combined concentrations of the buffering agent(s) and any acid/base conjugate(s) thereof. Any “buffer system” suitably comprises a weak acid and a weak base (see above definitions).

Suitably, the buffering agent is an histidine buffering agent. Suitably the histidine buffering agent is histidine (or a salt thereof), most suitably free histidine (e.g. zwitterionic histidine).

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises an acid/base conjugate of the buffering agent. This is less straightforward for histidine buffering agents than many other common carboxylic acid/carboxylate buffer systems, since the imidazole moiety of histidine means that histidine generally exists in aqueous solution as an equilibrium mixture of protonated (imidazolium) and deprotonated (free imidazole) forms a pHs between pH6-7. The protonated (imadazolium) form of histidine may be associated with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable anions—including anions such as hydroxide or chloride—though the imidazolium form may additionally or alternatively exist in a diluents (e.g. water) as a solvated cation. As such, the protonated (imidazolium) form of histidine may be considered to be histidine's acid/base conjugate, since it represents the conjugate acid of histidine. This conjugate acid of histidine suitably has both the amino and imidazole group protonated but carboxylate group deprotonated—this gives a net positively charge of +1). The combination of the buffering agent and its acid/base conjugate constitutes a buffer system. Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the buffering agent and its corresponding acid/base conjugate, suitably such that together the buffering agent and its acid/base conjugate are present at a level (i.e. absolute amount or concentration) and in a relative amount (or concentration) sufficient to provide the desired pH for the composition. The buffer system may be formed by simply mixing the buffering agent (e.g. histidine) with its acid/base conjugate (e.g. imidazolium salt form of histidine, e.g. histidine monohydrochloride), suitably in appropriate quantities to furnish a composition with the desired pH. Alternatively, the buffer system may be formed by mixing an acid or base with either the buffering agent or its acid/base conjugate in order to form in situ the desired mixture of buffering agent and acid/base conjugate. For example, the buffer system may be formed by adding a base (e.g. sodium hydroxide) to the buffering agent (e.g. histidine, which may self-equilibrate immediately when dissolved in water to yield both histidine and its conjugate acid), suitably in an amount appropriate to furnish the desired pH and mixture of the buffering agent (e.g. histidine) and corresponding acid/base conjugate (i.e. imidazolium salt form of hisidine). Alternatively, either method of forming the buffer system may be employed, and pH may be judiciously adjusted by either adding further acid (suitably strong acid, such as HCl) or further base (suitably strong base, such as sodium hydroxide) until the required pH is reached.

As disclosed above, a “pH adjuster” may be used in conjunction with histidine (or an imidazolium histidine salt, e.g. histidine hydrochloride) to obtain a desired pH. The pH adjuster may be a strong acid or a strong base, though it is preferably a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide.

Most suitably, the buffer system is an histidine buffer system, suitably comprising histidine in equilibrium with its imidazolium form.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises at most one buffering agent. Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises at most one buffer system.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition has a pH greater than or equal to 5.0. Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition has a pH greater than or equal to 6.3. Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition has a pH less than or equal to 6.7.

In a particular embodiment, especially where the buffering agent is an histidine buffering agent, the liquid pharmaceutical composition has a pH between 6.0 and 6.6. In a particular embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition has a pH between 6.3 and 6.5. In a particular embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition has a pH of about 6.4.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises a buffer system (suitably a histidine buffer system comprising a histidine buffering agent) at a concentration of from about 2 to about 50 mM. In an embodiment, the buffer system is present at a concentration of between 5 and 14 mM, most suitably about 10 mM. In an embodiment, the buffer system/buffering agent(s) is present at a concentration of 10 mM. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises histidine (and/or a salt thereof) at a concentration of 10 mM. This suitably includes where the “buffering agent(s)” (e.g. histidine) is formed by the addition of a strong base (e.g. sodium hydroxide) to the conjugate acid of the buffering agent(s) (e.g. imidazolium form of histidine).

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the buffering species (suitably histidine buffering species—e.g. histidine itself) at a concentration of from about 0.31 mg/mL to about 7.8 mg/mL. In an embodiment, the buffering species is present at a concentration of between 0.77 mg/mL and 2.2 mg/mL, most suitably about 1.55 mg/mL. In an embodiment, the buffer system/buffering agent is present at a concentration of 1.55 mg/mL. This includes where the “buffering agent” (e.g. histidine) is formed by the addition of a strong base (e.g. sodium hydroxide) to the conjugate acid of the buffering agent (e.g. imidazolium form of histidine).

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the buffer system (suitably the histidine buffer system) in a molar ratio of buffer system to adalimumab of from about 5:1 to about 145:1. In an embodiment, the buffer system is present in a molar ratio of buffer system to adalimumab of from about 14:1 to about 40:1, most suitably about 29:1. In an embodiment, the buffer system/buffering agent(s) is present at a concentration of 29:1. This includes where the “buffering agent(s)” (e.g. histidine) is formed by the addition of a strong base (e.g. sodium hydroxide) to the conjugate acid of the buffering agent (e.g. imidazolium form of histidine—e.g. histidine monohydrochloride).

As illustrated in the Example section, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention including an histidine buffering agent/buffer system perform particularly well in stress tests, especially in relation to fragmentation and protein unfolding, which can be important indicators of stability and drug product viability. Furthermore, liquid pharmaceutical compositions whose histidine buffer system maintains a steady pH 6.4 perform particularly well.

Sugar Stabiliser

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises a stabiliser, most suitably a sugar stabiliser. Suitably, such a component facilitates maintenance of the structural integrity of the biopharmaceutical drug, particularly during freezing and/or lyophilization and/or storage (especially when exposed to stress).

The liquid pharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more sugar stabilisers, though in preferred embodiments only a single sugar stabiliser is present.

Suitably, the sugar stabiliser is a sugar polyol (including sugar alcohols) and/or a disaccharide.

The sugar stabiliser is suitably selected from the group including trehalose, mannitol, sucrose, sorbitol, maltose, lactose, xylitol, arabitol, erythritol, lactitol, maltitol, inositol.

In a particular embodiment, the sugar stabiliser is selected from the group including trehalose, mannitol, sucrose, maltose, lactose, xylitol, arabitol, erythritol, lactitol, maltitol, inositol.

In a particular embodiment, the sugar stabiliser is a non-reducing sugar, optionally a non-reducing sugar listed anywhere herein.

In a particular embodiment, the sugar stabiliser is selected from the group including trehalose and mannitol.

In a particular embodiment, the sugar stabiliser is trehalose. Trehalose is a particularly advantageous sugar stabiliser for use alongside an histidine buffering agent/buffer system in liquid adalimumab formulations.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises at most one sugar stabiliser, suitably at most one sugar polyol and/or disaccharide. Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises trehalose as the only sugar stabiliser.

Suitably the trehalose used to form the liquid pharmaceutical composition is trehalose dihydrate, though suitably any amounts stipulated in relation to trehalose (unless stated otherwise—as done in the Examples) pertain to pure, anhydrous trehalose. Such amounts may be converted into an amount of trehalose dihydrate by applying an appropriate multiplier. Moreover, for the purposes of assessing whether a given formulation falls within the scope of any of the trehalose quantity definitions given herein, an amount of trehalose dihydrate can be readily converted into a corresponding amount of pure, anhydrous trehalose (with an equal number of moles) through applying said multiplier in reverse. This principle may be adopted for any sugar stabiliser component. Concentrations, when given as a molar concentration, will of course be the same regardless of the hydration state of the sugar stabiliser.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the sugar stabilizer(s) (most suitably trehalose) at a concentration of from about 50 to about 400 mM, more suitably from about 100 to about 300 mM, more suitably from about 150 to about 250 mM. In an embodiment, the sugar stabilizer(s) is present at a concentration of between 190 and 210 mM, most suitably about 200 mM. In an embodiment, trehalose is present at a concentration of 200 mM.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the sugar stabilizer(s) (most suitably trehalose) at a concentration of from about 15 mg/mL to about 140 mg/mL, more suitably from about 35 mg/mL to about 100 mg/mL, more suitably from about 45 mg/mL to about 80 mg/mL. In an embodiment, the sugar stabilizer(s) is present at a concentration of between 65 mg/mL and 72 mg/mL, most suitably about 68 mg/mL. In a particular embodiment, trehalose is present at a concentration of about 68 mg/mL (which equates to about 75.7 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate).

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the sugar stabilizer(s) (most suitably trehalose) in a molar ratio of sugar stabilizer(s) to adalimumab of from about 145:1 to about 1150:1, more suitably from about 290:1 to about 860:1, more suitably from about 430:1 to about 720:1. In an embodiment, the sugar stabilizer(s) is present at a molar ratio of sugar stabilizer(s) to adalimumab of from about 550:1 to about 605:1, most suitably about 576:1. In an embodiment, trehalose is present at a molar ratio of trehalose to adalimumab of about 576:1.

As illustrated in the Example section, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention including a sugar stabiliser as defined herein perform particularly well in stress tests, especially in relation to aggregation, fragmentation and protein unfolding, which can be important indicators of stability and drug product viability. Furthermore, liquid pharmaceutical compositions comprising trehalose as the sugar stabiliser perform particularly well.

Diluent

The liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may include any one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents, or mixture thereof. However, most suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is an aqueous pharmaceutical composition. Most suitably the diluent is water, and suitably water alone. The water is suitably water for injection (WFI).

Suitably the diluent may constitute the balance of ingredients in any liquid pharmaceutical composition, for instance so that the weight percentages total 100%. Suitably any concentrations given herein in relation to any component of the liquid pharmaceutical composition represent concentrations of said component in (and suitably dissolved in) the diluent in admixture with any other components.

The liquid pharmaceutical composition of the invention is suitably a solution, and is suitably (substantially or entirely) free of particulates or precipitates.

Absent or Low Level Components

Low/No Arginine

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of arginine (suitably L-arginine) or comprises arginine in a concentration of at most 0.1 mM, more suitably at most 0.01 mM, most suitably at most 0.001 mM.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of arginine or comprises arginine in a molar ratio of arginine to buffering agent (or buffer system) of at most 1:150 (i.e. less than or equal to one mole of arginine for every 150 moles of buffering agent or buffer system), more suitably at most 1:1500, most suitably at most 1:15,000.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of arginine or comprises arginine in a weight ratio of arginine to adalimumab of at most 1:3000 (i.e. less than or equal to one part by weight of arginine for every 3000 parts by weight adalimumab), more suitably at most 1:30,000, most suitably at most 1:300,000.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of arginine or comprises arginine in a molar ratio of arginine to adalimumab of at most 1:3.75 (i.e. less than or equal to one mole of arginine for every 3.75 moles adalimumab), more suitably at most 1:37.5, most suitably at most 1:375.

As explained herein, such references to “arginine” in the context of their presence or otherwise within liquid pharmaceutical compositions relate to the corresponding free amino acid(s) and not amino acid residue(s) covalently incorporated as part of a larger compound, such as a peptide or protein.

As illustrated in the Example section, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention which (substantially or entirely) exclude arginine perform particularly well in stress tests, especially in relation to aggregation, fragmentation and protein unfolding.

Low/No Amino Acids

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other than histidine (which is suitably the buffering agent) or comprises one or more amino acids other than histidine in a (collective) concentration of at most 0.1 mM, more suitably at most 0.01 mM, most suitably at most 0.001 mM.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other than histidine or comprises one or more amino acids other than histidine in a (collective) molar ratio of amino acids(s) to buffering agent (or buffer system) of at most 1:150 (i.e. less than or equal to one mole of amino acids(s) other than histidine for every 150 moles of buffering agent or buffer system), more suitably at most 1:1500, most suitably at most 1:15,000.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other than histidine or comprises one or more amino acids other than histidine in a (collective) weight ratio of amino acids(s) to adalimumab of at most 1:3000 (i.e. less than or equal to one part by weight of amino acids(s) other than histidine for every 3000 parts by weight adalimumab), more suitably at most 1:30,000, most suitably at most 1:300,000.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other than histidine or comprises one or more amino acids other than histidine in a (collective) molar ratio of amino acid(s) to adalimumab of at most 1:3.75 (i.e. less than or equal to one mole of amino acid(s) other than histidine for every 3.75 moles adalimumab), more suitably at most 1:37.5, most suitably at most 1:375.

As explained herein, such references to “amino acids” in the context of their presence or otherwise within liquid pharmaceutical compositions relate to the corresponding free amino acid(s) and not amino acid residue(s) covalently incorporated as part of a larger compound, such as a peptide or protein.

Suitably, the amino acids referred to in this section (and deemed either absent or present in low quantities) may be natural and/or artificial amino acids, though they are preferably natural amino acids. In particular, the liquid pharmaceutical compositions are either (substantially or entirely) free of any amino acids selected from the group including: arginine, lysine, and aspartic acid; or comprises one or more of the aforesaid amino acids in an amount, concentration, molar ratio, or weight ratio as hereinbefore defined in relation to “amino acid(s) other than histidine”.

As illustrated in the Example section, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention which (substantially or entirely) exclude amino acids other than histidine or certain amino acids, as defined above, perform particularly well in stress tests, especially in relation to aggregation, fragmentation and protein unfolding.

Low/No Surfactants

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of surfactants (whether cationic, anionic, amphoteric, or non-ionic) with the optional exception of polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) or comprises one or more of said surfactants (optionally excluding polysorbate 80) in a (collective) concentration of at most 1 mM, more suitably at most 0.1 mM, more suitably at most 0.01 mM, more suitably at most 0.001 mM, most suitably at most 0.0001 mM. The liquid pharmaceutical composition may, under such circumstances, optionally comprise polysorbate 80 as defined herein. However, in preferred embodiments, the liquid pharmaceutical composition is (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 80 or comprises polysorbate 80 only in the limited amounts/concentrations mentioned above, suitably collectively with any other surfactants.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of surfactants (whether cationic, anionic, amphoteric, or non-ionic) with the optional exception of polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) or comprises one or more of said surfactants (optionally excluding polysorbate 80) in a (collective) molar ratio of surfactant(s) to buffering agent (or buffer system) of at most 1:10, more suitably at most 1:100, most suitably at most 1:1000, more suitably at most 1:10,000, suitably at most 1:100,000. The liquid pharmaceutical composition may, under such circumstances, optionally comprise polysorbate 80 as defined herein. However, in preferred embodiments, the liquid pharmaceutical composition is (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 80 or comprises polysorbate 80 only in the limited amounts/concentrations mentioned above, suitably collectively with any other surfactants.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of surfactants (whether cationic, anionic, amphoteric, or non-ionic) with the optional exception of polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) or comprises one or more of said surfactants (optionally excluding polysorbate 80) in a (collective) weight ratio of surfactant(s) to adalimumab of at most 1:50 (i.e. less than or equal to one part by weight of surfactant(s) for every 50 parts by weight adalimumab), more suitably at most 1:500, more suitably at most 1:5000, more suitably at most 1:50,000, suitably at most 1:500,000. The liquid pharmaceutical composition may, under such circumstances, optionally comprise polysorbate 80 as defined herein. However, in preferred embodiments, the liquid pharmaceutical composition is (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 80 or comprises polysorbate 80 only in the limited amounts/concentrations mentioned above, suitably collectively with any other surfactants.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of surfactants (whether cationic, anionic, amphoteric, or non-ionic) with the optional exception of polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) or comprises one or more of said surfactants (optionally excluding polysorbate 80) in a (collective) molar ratio of surfactant(s) to adalimumab of at most 3:1, more suitably at most 0.3:1, more suitably 0.003:1, more suitably 0.0003:1, suitably 0.00003:1. The liquid pharmaceutical composition may, under such circumstances, optionally comprise polysorbate 80 as defined herein. However, in preferred embodiments, the liquid pharmaceutical composition is (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 80 or comprises polysorbate 80 only in the limited amounts/concentrations mentioned above, suitably collectively with any other surfactants.

Suitably, the surfactants referred to in this section (and deemed either absent or present in low quantities) may be cationic, anionic, amphoteric, or non-ionic surfactants. Suitably, the surfactants referred to in this section (and deemed either absent or present in low quantities) include cationic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants, but may optionally exclude non-ionic surfactants (e.g. polysorbates or spans) or at least may optionally exclude polysorbate 80. As such, the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of cationic, anionic, or amphoteric surfactants or comprises one or more of said surfactants in an amount, concentration, molar ratio, or weight ratio of at most that stipulated in any of the preceding paragraphs of this sub-section in relation to “surfactant(s)” more generally.

The liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of non-ionic surfactants with the optional exception of polysorbate 80 or comprises one or more of said surfactants in an amount, concentration, molar ratio, or weight ratio of at most that stipulated in any of the preceding paragraphs of this sub-section in relation to “surfactant(s)” more generally.

The liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate surfactants with the optional exception of polysorbate 80 or comprises one or more of said surfactants in an amount, concentration, molar ratio, or weight ratio of at most that stipulated in any of the preceding paragraphs of this sub-section in relation to “surfactant(s)” more generally. The liquid pharmaceutical composition may, under such circumstances, optionally comprise polysorbate 80 as defined herein. However, in preferred embodiments, the liquid pharmaceutical composition is (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 80 or comprises polysorbate 80 only in the limited amounts/concentrations mentioned above, suitably collectively with any other surfactants.

The liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 20 (also known as TWEEN® 20—polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate) surfactants or comprises one or more of said surfactants in an amount, concentration, molar ratio, or weight ratio of at most that stipulated in any of the preceding paragraphs of this sub-section in relation to “surfactant(s)” more generally.

The liquid pharmaceutical composition may suitably be either (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 80 surfactants or comprises said surfactant(s) in an amount, concentration, molar ratio, or weight ratio as hereinbefore defined in relation to “surfactant(s)”. The liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 80 surfactants or comprises one or more of said surfactants in an amount, concentration, molar ratio, or weight ratio of at most that stipulated in any of the preceding paragraphs of this sub-section in relation to “surfactant(s)” more generally.

As illustrated in the Example section, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention which (substantially or entirely) exclude surfactants or certain surfactants, as defined above, perform particularly well in stress tests, especially in relation to aggregation, fragmentation and protein unfolding.

Low/No Phosphate

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of phosphate buffering agents (e.g. sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate) or comprises a phosphate buffer system in a concentration of at most 0.1 mM, more suitably at most 0.01 mM, most suitably at most 0.001 mM.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of phosphate buffering agents (e.g. sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate) or comprises a phosphate buffer system in a molar ratio of phosphate buffer system to any non-phosphate buffer systems present of at most 1:150 (i.e. less than or equal to one mole of phosphate buffer system for every 150 moles of non-phosphate buffer system present), more suitably at most 1:1500, most suitably at most 1:15,000.

Suitably the liquid pharmaceutical composition is either (substantially or entirely) free of phosphate buffering agents or comprises a phosphate buffer system in a molar ratio of phosphate buffer system to adalimumab of at most 1:3.75 (i.e. less than or equal to one mole of phosphate buffer system for every 3.75 moles adalimumab), more suitably at most 1:37.5, most suitably at most 1:375.

References to “phosphate buffering agents” in the context of their presence or otherwise within liquid pharmaceutical compositions relate to any phosphate salts in any form or protonation state, including phosphate, monohydrogen phosphate, and dihydrogen phosphate. It does, however, suitably exclude any phosphate moieties or residues that may be covalently incorporated as part of a larger compound, such as a phosphorylated or glycosylated peptide or protein.

As illustrated in the Example section, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention which (substantially or entirely) exclude phosphate buffering agents perform particularly well in stress tests, especially in relation to aggregation, fragmentation and protein unfolding.

Optional Additional Components

Tonicifier

The liquid pharmaceutical composition of the invention suitably comprises a “tonicity modifier” (or “tonicifier”) or one or more tonicifiers, suitably as defined herein.

The inclusion of a tonicifier suitably contributes to (or increases) the overall osmolality and osmolarity of the composition. Suitably a tonicifier is present within the composition in a quantity or concentration sufficient for the composition to be (substantially) isotonic with body fluids. Suitably a tonicifier is present within the composition in a quantity or concentration sufficient for the composition to have an osmolarity or osmolality within a range defined herein.

Any suitable tonicifier may be used. However, suitably the tonicifier is selected from the group including water-soluble metal salts (e.g. sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride), water-soluble tonicifying sugars/sugar alcohols (e.g. glucose, sucrose, mannitol), and/or other water-soluble polyols. Suitably the tonicifier(s) is non-buffering (i.e. gives rise to little or no buffering effect). As such, any metal salt tonicifiers are suitably not buffering agents.

The liquid pharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more tonicifiers, though preferably only a single “tonicifier” as such is present (notwithstanding any tonicifying effects imparted to the composition by components intended to serve another function as defined herein).

Most preferably, the tonicifier is or comprises a metal salt (preferably a non-buffering water-soluble metal salt). Suitably, said metal salt is or comprises a metal halide, suitably an alkali or an alkaline earth metal halide, suitably an alkali metal chloride.

In a particular embodiment, the tonicifier is or comprises sodium chloride. In a particular embodiment, the tonicifier is sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is a particularly advantageous stabiliser for use alongside an histidine buffering agent/buffer system in liquid adalimumab formulations.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the tonicifier(s) (most suitably sodium chloride) at a concentration of from about 10 to about 200 mM, more suitably from about 20 to about 100 mM, more suitably from about 25 to about 75 mM. In an embodiment, the tonicifier(s) is present at a concentration of between 40 and 60 mM, most suitably about 50 mM. In an embodiment, sodium chloride is present at a concentration of 50 mM.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the tonicifier(s) (most suitably sodium chloride) at a concentration of from about 0.5 mg/mL to about 12 mg/mL, more suitably from about 1.2 mg/mL to about 5 mg/mL, more suitably from about 1.5 mg/mL to about 4.4 mg/mL. In an embodiment, the tonicifier(s) is present at a concentration of between 2.7 mg/mL and 3.1 mg/mL, most suitably about 2.9 mg/mL. In a particular embodiment, sodium chloride is present at a concentration of about 2.9 mg/mL.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the tonicifier(s) (most suitably sodium chloride) in a molar ratio of tonicifier to adalimumab of from about 30:1 to about 580:1, more suitably from about 60:1 to about 290:1, more suitably from about 70:1 to about 220:1. In an embodiment, the tonicifier(s) is present at a molar ratio of tonicifier to adalimumab of from about 115:1 to about 175:1, most suitably about 145:1. In an embodiment, sodium chloride is present at a molar ratio of sodium chloride to adalimumab of about 145:1.

As illustrated in the Example section, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention including a tonicifier as defined herein perform particularly well in stress tests, especially in relation to aggregation, fragmentation and protein unfolding, which can be important indicators of stability and drug product viability. Furthermore, liquid pharmaceutical compositions comprising sodium chloride, particularly in an amount range as stipulated, perform particularly well.

Surfactant

The liquid pharmaceutical composition of the invention may comprise a surfactant or one or more surfactants, suitably as defined herein.

Any suitable surfactant may be used. However, suitably the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant, most suitably a polysorbate (polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters) or span (sorbitan alkyl esters) surfactant.

Though one or more surfactants may be included within the liquid pharmaceutical composition of the invention, most suitably only a single surfactant is present, most suitably a single non-ionic surfactant (suitably as defined herein).

The surfactant(s) are suitably selected from Polysorbate 20 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), Polysorbate 40 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate), Polysorbate 60 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate), Polysorbate 80 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate), Sorbitan monolaurate, Sorbitan monopalmitate, Sorbitan monostearate, Sorbitan tristearate, and/or Sorbitan monooleate.

In a particular embodiment, the surfactant(s) are selected from Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, and/or Polysorbate 80. In a particular embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises a single surfactant selected from Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, and Polysorbate 80.

In a particular embodiment, the surfactant is polysorbate 80 or polysorbate 20. In a particular embodiment, the surfactant is polysorbate 80.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the surfactant(s) (most suitably polysorbate 80) at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 5 mM (i.e. 0.1 μM-5 mM), more suitably from about 0.001 to about 2 mM, more suitably from about 0.01 to about 1.0 mM. In an embodiment, the surfactant(s) is present at a concentration of between 0.72 and 0.80 mM, most suitably about 0.76 mM. In an embodiment, polysorbate 80 is present at a concentration of 0.76 mM.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the surfactant(s) (most suitably polysorbate 80) at a concentration of from about 0.001 mg/mL to about 5 mg/mL, more suitably from about 0.01 mg/mL to about 2 mg/mL, more suitably from about 0.05 mg/mL to about 1.5 mg/mL. In an embodiment, the surfactant(s) is present at a concentration of between 0.9 mg/mL and 1.1 mg/mL, most suitably about 1.0 mg/mL. In a particular embodiment, polysorbate 80 is present at a concentration of about 1.0 mg/m L.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises the surfactant(s) (most suitably polysorbate 80) in a molar ratio of surfactant(s) to adalimumab of from about 1:3500 to about 15:1, more suitably from about 1:350 to about 6:1, more suitably from about 1:35 to about 3:1. In an embodiment, the surfactant(s) is present at a molar ratio of surfactant(s) to adalimumab of from about 2.1:1 to about 2.3:1, most suitably about 2.2:1. In an embodiment, polysorbate 80 is present at a molar ratio of polysorbate 80 to adalimumab of about 2.2:1.

In preferred embodiments, however, the liquid pharmaceutical composition is (substantially or entirely) free of polysorbate 80, and more suitably (substantially or entirely) free of any surfactants.

Other Parameters Relating to the Invention

Osmolality

Suitably, the osmolality of the liquid pharmaceutical composition is between 200 and 400 mOsm/kg, more suitably between 220 and 390 mOsm/kg, more suitably between 230 and 350 mOsm/kg, more suitably between 240 and 340 mOsm/kg, more suitably between 260 and 320 mOsm/kg, most suitably between 280 and 310 mOsm/kg. Suitably the relative amounts and concentrations of the various components of the composition may be judiciously tuned to achieve the desired osmolality, and the particular novel combination of components allows this to be largely achieved without undermining other important parameters. However, suitably the relative amounts and concentrations of the various components of the composition may be selected so as to optimise other parameters—the present disclosure, including the examples and protocols set forth therein, enable the skilled person to achieve this end and to realise a, some, or all of the benefits of the present invention.

Protein Unfolding Temperature

Suitably, the protein unfolding temperature (suitably as measured via the DSF protocols defined herein) of adalimumab in the liquid pharmaceutical composition of the invention is greater than or equal to 65° C., more suitably greater than or equal to 70° C. The novel combination of components present within the composition of the invention enables the skilled person to achieve high unfolding temperatures, which may be considered desirable from a thermal stability perspective.

Parameters when Subjected to Thermal Stress

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of aggregates (suitably derived from adalimumab, and suitably as determined by the SE-HPLC protocols as defined herein) present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 4 (i.e. 4 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is thermally stressed at 40° C. (i.e. the composition is maintained at a temperature of 40° C.) over a period of 28 days, suitably by no more than factor of 3, suitably by no more than factor of 2.5, suitably by no more than factor of 2.2.

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of fragments (suitably derived from adalimumab and suitably measured via the bioanalyzer protocols defined herein) present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 4 (i.e. 4 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is thermally stressed at 40° C. (i.e. the composition is maintained at a temperature of 40° C.) over a period of 28 days, suitably by no more than factor of 3, suitably by no more than factor of 2.5, suitably by no more than factor of 2.2.

Suitably the turbidity (suitably as measured via nephelometry in accordance with the protocols set forth herein) of the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 2 (i.e. 2 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is thermally stressed at 40° C. (i.e. the composition is maintained at a temperature of 40° C.) over a period of 28 days, suitably by no more than a factor of 1.5, suitably by no more than a factor of 1.2, and suitably the turbity does not increase at all.

Suitably the pH of the liquid pharmaceutical composition changes (whether through increase or decrease, though generally by a decrease in pH) by no more than 0.5 pH units when the composition is thermally stressed at 40° C. (i.e. the composition is maintained at a temperature of 40° C.) over a period of 28 days, suitably by no more than 0.2 pH units, suitably by no more than 0.1 pH units, most suitably the pH does not change at all (to one decimal place).

Parameters when Subjected to Mechanical Stress

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of aggregates (suitably derived from adalimumab, and suitably as determined by the SE-HPLC protocols as defined herein) present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 2 (i.e. 2 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is mechanically stressed (i.e. shaken as per the protocols outlined herein) over a period of 48 hours, suitably by no more than factor of 1.5, suitably by no more than factor of 1.2, suitably by no more than factor of 1.1.

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of fragments (suitably derived from adalimumab and suitably measured via the bioanalyzer protocols defined herein) present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 2 (i.e. 2 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is mechanically stressed (i.e. shaken as per the protocols outlined herein) over a period of 48 hours, suitably by no more than factor of 1.5, suitably by no more than factor of 1.2, suitably by no more than factor of 1.1.

Suitably the turbidity (suitably as measured via nephelometry in accordance with the protocols set forth herein) of the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 2 (i.e. 2 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is mechanically stressed (i.e. shaken as per the protocols outlined herein) over a period of 48 hours, suitably by no more than factor of 1.5, suitably by no more than factor of 1.2, suitably by no more than factor of 1.1, and suitably the turbity does not increase at all.

Suitably the pH of the liquid pharmaceutical composition changes (whether through increase or decrease, though generally by a decrease in pH) by no more than 0.5 pH units when the composition is mechanically stressed (i.e. shaken as per the protocols outlined herein) over a period of 48 hours, suitably by no more 0.2 pH units, suitably by no more than 0.1 pH units, most suitably the pH does not change at all (to one decimal place).

Parameters when Subjected to Light Stress

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of aggregates (suitably derived from adalimumab, and suitably as determined by the SE-HPLC protocols as defined herein) present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 50 (i.e. 50 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is light stressed (i.e. the composition is exposed to light in accordance with protocols disclosed herein, i.e. 7 hours at 765 W/m²), suitably by no more than factor of 45, suitably by no more than factor of 35, suitably by no more than factor of 30.

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of fragments (suitably derived from adalimumab and suitably measured via the bioanalyzer protocols defined herein) present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 4 (i.e. 4 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is light stressed (i.e. the composition is exposed to light in accordance with protocols disclosed herein, i.e. 7 hours at 765 W/m²), suitably by no more than factor of 3, suitably by no more than factor of 2.5, suitably by no more than factor of 2.

Suitably the turbidity (suitably as measured via nephelometry in accordance with the protocols set forth herein) of the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 2 (i.e. 2 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is light stressed (i.e. the composition is exposed to light in accordance with protocols disclosed herein, i.e. 7 hours at 765 W/m²), suitably by no more than a factor of 1.5, suitably by no more than a factor of 1.2, and suitably the turbity does not increase at all.

Suitably the pH of the liquid pharmaceutical composition changes (whether through increase or decrease, though generally by a decrease in pH) by no more than 0.5 pH units when the composition is light stressed (i.e. the composition is exposed to light in accordance with protocols disclosed herein, i.e. 7 hours at 765 W/m²), suitably by no more than 0.2 pH units, suitably by no more than 0.1 pH units, most suitably the pH does not change at all (to one decimal place).

Parameters when Subjected to Freeze/Thaw Cycles

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of aggregates (suitably derived from adalimumab, and suitably as determined by the SE-HPLC protocols as defined herein) present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 1.5 (i.e. 1.5 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is subjected to five freeze/thaw cycles (i.e. the composition is frozen and thawed five times in accordance with protocols disclosed herein, i.e. −80° C. to 20° C. five times), suitably by no more than factor of 1.2, suitably by no more than factor of 1.1, suitably by there is (substantially) no increase at all in the quantity (or concentration) of aggregates.

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of sub-visible particles or precipitates, with a particle size less than or equal to 25 microns, present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 4 (i.e. 4 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is subjected to five freeze/thaw cycles (i.e. the composition is frozen and thawed five times in accordance with protocols disclosed herein, i.e. −80° C. to 20° C. five times), suitably by no more than factor of 3, suitably by no more than factor of 2.5, suitably by no more than factor of 2.2. Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of sub-visible particles or precipitates, with a particle size less than or equal to 10 microns, present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 4 (i.e. 4 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is subjected to five freeze/thaw cycles (i.e. the composition is frozen and thawed five times in accordance with protocols disclosed herein, i.e. −80° C. to 20° C. five times), suitably by no more than factor of 3, suitably by no more than factor of 2.5, suitably by no more than factor of 2.2.

Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of sub-visible particles or precipitates, with a particle size less than or equal to 25 microns, present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 4 (i.e. 4 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is subjected to 5 freeze/thaw cycles, suitably by no more than factor of 3, suitably by no more than factor of 2.5, suitably by no more than factor of 2.2. Suitably the quantity (or concentration) of sub-visible particles or precipitates, with a particle size less than or equal to 10 microns, present within the liquid pharmaceutical composition increases by no more than a factor of 4 (i.e. 4 times the amount relative to an arbitrary start time) when the composition is subjected to 5 freeze/thaw cycles, suitably by no more than factor of 3, suitably by no more than factor of 2.5, suitably by no more than factor of 2.2.

Methods of Stabilising Antibody

In view of the aforementioned points in this sub-section, and the data presented in the examples, the present invention also provides a method of stabilising liquid adalimumab compositions (chemically and/or physically optionally in relation to any one or more of the aforementioned parameters/properties), comprising mixing with adalimumab with any relevant components required to form a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein. Different embodiments will suitably require different combinations of components to be mixed, potentially in different amounts, and the skilled person can readily deduce such combinations and amounts by reference to the foregoing disclosure relating to the liquid pharmaceutical composition. Such different combinations of components may stabilise liquid adalimumab compositions in different respects. For instance, mixing with adalimumab with the aforementioned components to form a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein may stabilise adalimumab by:

-   -   i) Increasing the protein unfolding temperature of adalimumab;     -   ii) Inhibiting the formation of aggregates;     -   iii) Inhibiting the formation of fragments;     -   iv) Inhibiting the formation of sub-visible particles (either 25         microns or 0 microns);     -   v) Inhibiting turbidification;     -   vi) Inhibiting pH changes;     -   vii) Inhibiting photo-oxidation; and/or     -   viii) Reducing instability upon freeze/thaw cycles.

As such, the present invention provides a method of achieving one, some, or all of the following benefits:

-   -   i) Increased protein unfolding temperatures for adalimumab;     -   ii) Inhibition of formation of aggregates;     -   iii) Inhibition of formation of fragments;     -   iv) Inhibition of formation of sub-visible particles (either 25         microns or 0 microns);     -   v) Inhibition of turbidification;     -   vi) Inhibition of pH changes;     -   vii) Inhibition of photo-oxidation; and/or     -   viii) Reduced instability upon freeze/thaw cycles;         the method comprising manufacturing a liquid pharmaceutical         composition of adalimumab as defined herein.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention have a shelf life of at least 6 months, suitably at least 12 months, suitably at least 18 months, more suitably at least 24 months. Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention have a shelf life of at least 6 months, suitably at least 12 months, suitably at least 18 months, more suitably at least 24 months, at a temperature of 2-8° C.

Enabling the Skilled Person to Optimise Key Stability Properties

The novel combination of components disclosed for use in liquid pharmaceutical compositions of the invention enables the skilled person to produce (and judiciously fine-tube) compositions which exhibit comparable or enhanced properties relative to compositions of the prior art. In particular, the present disclosure now provides the skilled person with all the necessary tools to optimise formulation stability, and in particular optimise one or more of: inhibition of aggregation, fragmentation, protein unfolding, precipitation, pH slippage, and oxidation (especially photo-oxidation). Furthermore, the skilled person is given guidance on how to achieve such optimisations (through judiciously varying the compositions) and how, in the process, to minimise any detrimental side-effects. The present disclosure enables the skilled person to work across the scope of the invention to produce a variety of specific compositions which exhibit comparable or improved properties relative to compositions of the prior art, and this can be achieved using fewer components.

Particular Embodiments

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   adalimumab;     -   an histidine buffering agent (e.g. histidine) (or histidine         buffer system);     -   a sugar stabiliser (e.g. trehalose); and     -   a surfactant (e.g. polysorbate 80).

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   adalimumab;     -   an histidine buffering agent (e.g. histidine) (or histidine         buffer system);     -   a sugar stabiliser (e.g. trehalose);     -   a tonicifier (e.g. sodium chloride); and     -   optionally a surfactant (e.g. polysorbate 80).

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine buffering agent (or buffer system), and a sugar stabiliser in a molar ratio of 1:14-40:288-865 respectively. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine buffering agent (or buffer system), sugar stabiliser, and a tonicifier in a molar ratio of 1:14-40:288-865:28-576 respectively.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine buffering agent (or buffer system), and a sugar stabiliser in a molar ratio of 1:14-40:548-605 respectively. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine buffering agent (or buffer system), sugar stabiliser, and a tonicifier in a molar ratio of 1:14-40:548-605:115-173 respectively.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffer system), and trehalose in a molar ratio of 1:5.7-145:288-865 respectively. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffer system), trehalose, and sodium chloride in a molar ratio of 1:5.7-145:288-865:28-576 respectively.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffer system), and trehalose in a molar ratio of 1:14-40:548-605 respectively. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffer system), trehalose, and sodium chloride in a molar ratio of 1:14-40:548-605:115-173 respectively.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffer system), and trehalose in a molar ratio of 1:28.8:576 respectively. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffer system), trehalose, and sodium chloride in a molar ratio of 1:28.8:576:144 respectively.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffering species), and trehalose in a weight ratio of 25-75:0.31-7.8:15-140 respectively. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffering species), trehalose, and sodium chloride in a weight ratio of 25-75:0.31-7.8:15-140:0.5-12 respectively.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffering species), and trehalose in a weight ratio of 45-55:0.77-2.2:65-72 respectively. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffering species), trehalose, and sodium chloride in a weight ratio of 45-55:0.77-2.2:65-72:2.7-3.1 respectively.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffering species), and trehalose in a weight ratio of 50:1.55:68 respectively. In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises adalimumab, histidine (or histidine buffering species), trehalose, and sodium chloride in a weight ratio of 50:1.55:68:2.9 respectively.

Any of the aforementioned embodiments relating to molar and/or weight ratios of the various components may be additionally defined by reference to the (substantial or entire) absence or low levels of component(s) such as arginine, amino acids other than histidine, surfactants (optionally with the exception of polysorbate 80), and/or phosphate buffering agents/systems, as defined anywhere herein.

It will be appreciated that the buffering agent (e.g. histidine) or buffer system (e.g. histidine/imidazolium-histidine) of any of the aforementioned embodiments may be directly incorporated into the compositions or may be produced in situ, for instance, via an acid base reaction, suitably by reacting a conjugate acid of the buffering agent (e.g. imidazolium form of histidine, whether a pre-formed salt such as histidine hydrochloride or the imidazolium form generated upon dissolution of free histidine) with a base (e.g. sodium hydroxide). Regardless of the method used to provide or produce the buffering agent or buffer system, suitably the resulting composition ultimately comprises an appropriate balance of the buffering agent and any acid/base conjugate to furnish the desired pH. The skilled person will be readily able to calculate or experimentally determine, without undue effort, the appropriate balance of buffering agent and acid/base conjugate, and/or the amount of base which needs to be added to a conjugate acid in order to produce the appropriate amount of buffering agent and furnish the desired pH.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   adalimumab;     -   an histidine buffering agent (e.g. histidine) (or histidine         buffer system);     -   a sugar stabiliser (e.g. trehalose);     -   a tonicifier (e.g. sodium chloride);     -   optionally a surfactant (e.g. polysorbate 80); and     -   water (for injection);     -   wherein the composition:         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of arginine (suitably             L-arginine); comprises arginine in a concentration of at             most 0.1 mM;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other             than histidine or comprises one or more amino acids other             than histidine in a (collective) concentration of at most             0.1 mM;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of surfactants with the             optional exception of polysorbate 80 or comprises one or             more of said surfactants (optionally excluding             polysorbate 80) in a (collective) concentration of at most 1             mM; and/or         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of phosphate buffering             agents (e.g. sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen             phosphate) or comprises a phosphate buffer system in a             concentration of at most 0.1 mM.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   Adalimumab (suitably in a concentration as defined herein);     -   5 to 14 mM histidine buffering agent (e.g. histidine) (or         histidine buffer system);     -   100 to about 300 mM a sugar stabiliser (e.g. trehalose);     -   10 to about 200 mM a tonicifier (e.g. sodium chloride); and     -   water (for injection);     -   wherein the composition:         -   has a pH between 6.3 and 6.7 (e.g. pH 6.4)         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of arginine; comprises             arginine in a concentration of at most 0.1 mM;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other             than histidine or comprises one or more amino acids other             than histidine in a (collective) concentration of at most             0.1 mM;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of surfactants with the             optional exception of polysorbate 80 or comprises one or             more of said surfactants (optionally excluding             polysorbate 80) in a (collective) concentration of at most 1             mM; and/or         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of phosphate buffering             agents (e.g. sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen             phosphate) or comprises a phosphate buffer system in a             concentration of at most 0.1 mM.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   25 to about 75 mg/mL adalimumab;     -   2 to about 50 mM histidine (or histidine buffer system);     -   100 to about 300 mM trehalose;     -   10 to about 200 mM sodium chloride; and     -   water (for injection);     -   wherein the composition:         -   has a pH between 6.3 and 6.5;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of arginine (suitably             L-arginine) or comprises arginine in a concentration of at             most 0.1 mM;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other             than histidine or comprises one or more amino acids other             than histidine in a (collective) concentration of at most             0.1 mM;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of surfactants or             comprises one or more surfactants in a (collective)             concentration of at most 1 mM; and/or         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of phosphate buffering             agents (e.g. sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen             phosphate) or comprises a phosphate buffer system in a             concentration of at most 0.1 mM.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   45 to about 55 mg/ml adalimumab;     -   5 to 14 mM histidine (or histidine buffer system);     -   190 to 210 mM trehalose;     -   40 to 60 mM sodium chloride; and     -   water (for injection);     -   wherein the composition:         -   has a pH between between 6.3 and 6.5;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of arginine (suitably             L-arginine) or comprises arginine in a concentration of at             most 0.001 mM;         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of amino acids other             than histidine or comprises one or more amino acids other             than histidine in a (collective) concentration of at most             0.001 mM.         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of surfactants or             comprises one or more of surfactants in a (collective)             concentration of at most 0.0001 mM; and/or         -   is (substantially or entirely) free of phosphate buffering             agents (e.g. sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen             phosphate) or comprises a phosphate buffer system in a             concentration of at most 0.001 mM.

In an embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   50 mg/ml adalimumab;     -   10 mM histidine (or histidine buffer system);     -   200 mM trehalose;     -   50 mM sodium chloride;     -   1.0 mg/mL polysorbate 80; and     -   water (for injection);     -   wherein the composition:         -   has a pH of 6.4;         -   is free of arginine;         -   is free of amino acids other than histidine;         -   is free of surfactants; and         -   is free of phosphate buffering agents/buffer systems.

Preferably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of:

-   -   25 to about 75 mg/mL adalimumab;     -   2 to about 50 mM histidine (or histidine buffer system);     -   100 to about 300 mM trehalose;     -   10 to about 200 mM sodium chloride; and     -   water (for injection);         -   wherein the composition has a pH between 6.3 and 6.5.

Preferably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of:

-   -   40 to about 60 mg/mL adalimumab;     -   5 to about 15 mM histidine (or histidine buffer system);     -   175 to about 225 mM trehalose;     -   25 to about 75 mM sodium chloride; and     -   water (for injection);         -   wherein the composition has a pH between 6.3 and 6.5.

Preferably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of:

-   -   50 mg/mL adalimumab;     -   10 mM histidine (or histidine buffer system);     -   200 mM trehalose;     -   50 mM sodium chloride; and     -   water (for injection);         -   wherein the composition has a pH of 6.4.

Suitably, the liquid pharmaceutical composition may be as set forth in any of the preceding embodiments, except that the absence or low levels of component(s) such as arginine, amino acids, surfactants (optionally with the exception of polysorbate 80), and phosphate buffering agents/systems, rather than being defined by reference to concentration(s) (i.e. molarity) may instead be defined by reference to corresponding molar ratios of the component to buffering agent/buffer system; corresponding weight ratios of the component to adalimumab; or corresponding molar ratios of the component to adalimumab. The skilled person will readily deduce for each component, from the relevant section of this specification relating to that specific component, which molar and weight ratios correspond to which concentrations, since herein the relevant molar and weight ratios are listed to respectively correspond to given concentrations. For example, in the case of arginine, the optional concentrations of “at most 0.1 mM, more suitably at most 0.01 mM, most suitably at most 0.001 mM” respectively correspond with a molar ratio of arginine to buffering agent of “at most 1:150 . . . more suitably at most 1:1500, most suitably at most 1:15,000”; with “a weight ratio of arginine to adalimumab of at most 1:3000 . . . more suitably at most 1:30,000, most suitably at most 1:300,000”; and with a molar ratio of arginine to adalimumab of at most 1:3.75 . . . more suitably at most 1:37.5, most suitably at most 1:375″. The same correspondences apply for amino acids, surfactants, and phosphate buffering agents/systems.

Method of Manufacturing a Liquid Pharmaceutical Composition

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a liquid pharmaceutical composition, suitably as defined herein. The method suitably comprises mixing together, in any particular order deemed appropriate, any relevant components required to form a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein. The skilled person may refer to the Examples or techniques well known in the art for forming liquid pharmaceutical compositions (especially those for injection via syringe). Different embodiments will suitably require different combinations of components to be mixed, potentially in different amounts. The skilled person can readily deduce such combinations and amounts by reference to the foregoing disclosure relating to the liquid pharmaceutical composition.

Suitably the method involves mixing together the relevant components suitably, in a diluent (e.g. water), suitably so that all of the components are (substantially or entirely) dissolved in the diluent.

The method may involve first preparing a pre-mixture (or pre-solution) of some or all components (optionally with some or all of the diluent) excluding adalimumab, and adalimumab may then itself (optionally with or pre-dissolved in some of the diluent) be mixed with the pre-mixture (or pre-solution) to afford the liquid pharmaceutical composition, or a composition to which final components are then added to furnish the final liquid pharmaceutical composition. Most suitably, the pre-mixture contains all components except for the adalimumab and optionally also some diluent (which may be used to pre-dissolve adalimumab), suitably so that adalimumab is added to a mixture which offers optimal stabilisation of adalimumab. Suitably the aforementioned pre-mixture is prepared with the desired pH for the final liquid pharmaceutical formulation.

Suitably, the method involves forming a buffer system, suitably a buffer system comprising a buffering agent as defined herein. The buffer system is suitably formed in a pre-mixture prior to the addition of adalimumab, though the buffer system may optionally be formed with adalimumab present. The buffer system may be formed through simply mixing the buffering agent (supplied ready-made) with its acid/base conjugate (suitably in appropriate relative quantities to provide the desired pH—this can be determined by the skilled person either theoretically or experimentally). In the case of an histidine buffer system, this means mixing histidine with an imidazolium form of histidine (e.g. histidine hydrochloride). Alternatively, the buffer system may be formed through adding a strong acid (e.g. HCl) to the buffering agent (e.g. histidine) in order to form in situ the acid/base conjugate (e.g. imidazolium form of histidine) to the buffering agent (again suitably in appropriate relative quantities to provide the desired pH). Alternatively, the buffer system may be formed through adding a strong base (e.g. sodium hydroxide) to the acid/base conjugate of the buffering agent (or to the buffering agent itself, where it forms said acid/base conjugate in a dynamic equilibrium, such as upon dissolution) in order to form in situ the buffering agent (again suitably in appropriate relative quantities to provide the desired pH). The pH of either the pre-mixture of final liquid pharmaceutical composition may be judiciously adjusted by adding the required quantity of strong base or strong acid, or even a quantity of buffering agent or acid/base conjugate.

In certain embodiments, the buffering agent and/or buffer system is pre-formed as a separate mixture, and the buffer system is transferred to a precursor of the liquid pharmaceutical composition (comprising some or all components save for the buffering agent and/or buffer system, suitably comprising adalimumab and potentially only adalimumab) via buffer exchange (e.g. using diafiltration until the relevant concentrations or osmolality is reached). Additional excipients may be added thereafter if necessary in order to produce the final liquid pharmaceutical composition. The pH may be adjusted once or before all the components are present.

Any, some, or all components may be pre-dissolved or pre-mixed with a diluent prior to mixing with other components.

The final liquid pharmaceutical composition may be filtered, suitably to remove particulate matter. Suitably filtration is through filters sized at or below 1 μm, suitably at 0.22 μm. Suitably, filtration is through either PES filteres or PVDF filters, suitably with 0.22 μm PES filters.

The present invention also provides a liquid pharmaceutical composition obtainable by, obtained by, or directly obtained by the method of manufacture herein described.

Drug-Delivery Device

The present invention provides a drug delivery device comprising a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein. Suitably the drug delivery device comprises a chamber within which the pharmaceutical composition resides. Suitably the drug delivery device is sterile.

The drug delivery device may a vial, ampoule, syringe, injection pen (e.g. essentially incorporating a syringe), or intravenous bag. Most suitably the drug delivery device is a syringe, suitably an injection pen. Suitably the syringe is a glass syringe. Suitably the syringe comprises a needle, suitably a 29G ½″ needle.

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a drug delivery device, suitably as defined herein, the method comprising incorporating a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein within a drug delivery device. Such manufacture typically involves charging the liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein to a syringe, suitably via a needle affixed thereto. The needle may thereafter be removed, replaced, or remain.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a drug delivery device obtainable by, obtained by, or directly obtained by a method of manufacture defined herein.

Package

The present invention provides a package comprising a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein. Suitably the package comprises a drug delivery device as defined herein, suitably a plurality of drug delivery devices. The package may comprise any suitably container for containing one or more drug delivery devices.

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a package, the method comprising incorporating a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein within a package. Suitably this is achieved by incorporating said liquid pharmaceutical composition within one or more drug delivery devices, and thereafter incorporating the one or more pre-filled drug delivery devices into a container present within the package.

The present invention provides a package obtainable by, obtained by, or directly obtained by a method of manufacture defined herein.

Kit of Parts

The present invention provides a kit of parts comprising a drug delivery device (without the liquid pharmaceutical composition incorporated therein), a liquid pharmaceutical composition as defined herein (optionally contained in a separate package or container), and optionally a set of instructions with directions regarding the administration (e.g. sub-cutaneous) of the liquid pharmaceutical composition. The user may then fill the drug delivery device with the liquid pharmaceutical composition (which may be provided in a vial or ampoule or such like) prior to administration.

Uses of Pharmaceutical Liquid Composition and Methods of Treatment

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a disease or medical disorder; a liquid pharmaceutical composition for use in therapy; a use of a liquid pharmaceutical composition in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease or disorder; a method of treating a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-related autoimmune disease; a liquid pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-related autoimmune disease; a use of a liquid pharmaceutical composition in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-related autoimmune disease; a method of treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe chronic psoriasis and/or juvenile idiopathic arthritis; a liquid pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe chronic psoriasis and/or juvenile idiopathic arthritis; and a use of a liquid pharmaceutical composition in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe chronic psoriasis and/or juvenile idiopathic arthritis; as defined herein.

The liquid pharmaceutical compositions defined herein may be used to treat any one or more of the aforementioned diseases or medical disorders. In a particular embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical compositions are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, suitably Crohn's disease and psoriasis.

The liquid pharmaceutical compositions are suitably parenterally administered, suitably via sub-cutaneous injection.

Examples

Materials and Equipment

The following materials were used in the preparation of formulations described in the Examples that follow:

Ingredient Adalimumab DS Arginine monohydrochloride Aspartic Acid Citric Acid Monohydrate Dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate Histidine Lysine hydrochloride Mannitol Monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate Poloxamer 188 Polysorbate 80 Sodium chloride Sodium citrate Sodium hydroxide solution 30% Trehalose dihydrate WFI

The following disposable equipment and materials were used in the Examples and Screen Experiments which follow.

Item Code Supplier Eppendorf Tubes NA Eppendorf (0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL) Falcon 352096 (15 mL), 352070 Becton (50 mL) polypropylene tubes Dickinson PES membrane (0.22 μm) MillexGP Express PES Millipore filter unit membrane REF SLGP033RS PETG bottles 3420-1000, 3420-0500, Nalgene 2019-0250, 3420-0125, 3420-0060, 2019-0030

The following packaging was used in the Examples and Screen Experiments which follow.

Item Code Supplier DIN2R Type I glass vial 0212060.6112 11200000A Nuova Ompi 1 mL stopper S2-F451 RSV; Daikyo Seiko, D 21-7S RB2-40 LTD 13 mm flip-off cap 12000350 MS-A

The following equipment was used in the Examples and Screen Experiments which follow.

Item Mod. Manufacturer Analytical scales AX205, PG2002-S Mettler Toledo Benchtop xenon Suntest CPS+ Atlas instrument Calibrated pipettes P20, P100, P200, P1000 Gilson HPLC Alliance Waters iCE280 Fast IEF Analyzer Convergent Bioscience Osmometer Osmomat 030/D Gonotec PCR 7500 Fast Real-Time AB Applied Biosystem pH meters Seven Multi Mettler Toledo Refrigerators +2-8° C. Angelantoni Software Design ver. 7.1.5 Stat-Ease, Inc. Expert Thermostatic cabinets +25° C., +40° C. Angelantoni Turbidimeter 2100AN IS Hach Lange UV Spectrophotometer Lambda 35 Perkin Elmer Analytical Techniques and Protocols

The following analytical methods of protocols were employed, in the Examples and Screening Experiments which follow, for the reasons stated in the table below:

Method No. Analytical Method Scope of the test 1 Bioanalyzer Purity 2 DSF Unfolding temperature 3 iCE280 Isoforms profile 4 OD Protein Content 5 SE-HPLC Aggregates determination 6 Nephelometry Turbidity 7 Osmolality Osmolality of solution 8 pH pH determination 9 Sub-visible particles Particle count

The individual protocols for each of the above analytical methods are described in turn below, and references in the Examples and Screening Experiments to any such analytical methods used these protocols.

1. Purity—Bioanalyzer

A 2100 Bioanalyzer was used. Protocols can be found in the relevant instruction manual. However, the protocols have been additionally refined as follows.

Solutions:

Gel-Dye Mix (Staining Solution):

Add 254 of 230plus dye concentrate to a protein 230plus gel matrix tube. Vortex well, and spin down the tube for 15 seconds. Transfer to a spin filter and centrifuge at 2500 rpm for at least 20 min. The solution is ready to use. Store the solution at +5±3° C. for not more than 4 weeks.

Destaining Solution:

Pipette 6504 of gel matrix into a spin filter. Centrifuge at 2500 rpm for at least 25 min. Store the solution at +5±3° C. for not more than 4 weeks.

Sample Buffer:

It is recommended to divide the 200 μL of sample buffer into aliquots of 25 μL and defreeze aliquot for each chip. Store the Sample buffer stock solution and the aliquots at −20° C., not longer than the expiring date provided by the supplier.

Maleimide Stock Solution:

Dissolve 23.4 mg of Male imide in 1 mL MilliQ water (0.24M). Vortex well the solution. Subsequently dilute the solution 1:4 with MilliQ water. (e.g. 50 μL Stock Sol.+150 μLMilliQ). The final concentration of the diluted Maleimide solution is 60 mM. (Since no data is available yet on the stability of this solution, it must be prepared freshly before starting each analytical session).

OTf-Solution:

For the analysis of Adalimurnab samples the reducing solution must be prepared with 1M DTT, therefore dissolve 154.0 mg DTT in 1 mL MilliQ Water.

Non-Reducing Solution:

Add 1 μl, of MilliQ water to a sample buffer aliquot (25 μL) and vortex for 5 seconds. Use the non-reducing solution within its preparation day.

Reducing Solution:

Add 1 μl, of the according DTf-Solution to a sample buffer aliquot (25 μL) and vortex for 5 seconds. Use the reducing solution within its preparation day.

Sample Preparation:

-   -   Samples are analyzed at the concentration ranging between 2.4-3         mg/mL.     -   If it's necessary the samples can be diluted to the target         concentration using Milli Q water.

Samples are prepared according to the Reagent Kit Guide using the reducing and non reducing sample buffers according to the instruction in the Reagent Kit Guide and also mentioned above. It is strongly recommended to use, differently from the guide, greater volumes to achieve reproducible and accurate results. An example how to prepare the ladder and the samples is reported below:

Sample Preparation Solution Reducing and Non Reducing Condition

Sample preparation solution Reducing and Non Reducing condition. Total Reagent Volume μl Volume μL Sample diluted at 3 mg/ml 3 μL 6 μL Sample buffer (reducing or 2 μL not reducing) Maleimide solution 1 μL Samples have to be mixed (via vortex) well and spinned down All Samples and the Ladder are heated 5 minutes to 70° C. MilliQ water 84 μL  90 μL  vortex well and spin down Loading 6 μL all Sample and Ladder Note 1: For the IPCs whose concentration is between 2.4 mg/ml and 3.0 mg/mL, the sample preparation follows the table above but the volume of MilliQ Water added after sample heating is calculated in order to reach a final protein concentration of 0.1 mg/ml.

Note 1: For the IPCs whose concentration is between 2.4 mg/ml and 3.0 mg/mL, the sample preparation follows the table above but the volume of MilliQ Water added after sample heating is calculated in order to reach a final protein concentration of 0.1 mg/ml.

An example of sample preparation for a sample having concentration between 2.4 and 3.0 mg/mL, is reported here below:

Sample preparation solution Reducing and Non Reducing condition Total Reagent Volume μl Volume μL Sample (2.6 mg/mL) 3 μL 6 μL Sample buffer (reducing or 2 μL not reducing) Maleimide soluton 1 μL Samples have to be mixed (via vortex) well and spinned down All Samples and the Ladder are heated 5 minutes at 70° C. MilliQ water 72 μL  78 μL  vortex well and spin down Loading 6 μL all Sample and Ladder Note 2: All wells have to be loaded. If the sample number is lower than the available wells, the empty wells can be used for additional duplicates or blank samples.

Note 2: All wells have to be loaded. If the sample number is lower than the available wells, the empty wells can be used for additional duplicates or blank samples.

Preparing the System and the Chip:

-   -   To clean the system before and as well after an analysis fill         the “Electrode Cleaner” with 600IIL MilliQ Water and place it         into the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer, close the lid and let the         system cease. No further action is required.     -   Adjust the base-plate of the chip priming station to position         “A” and the syringe clip to its middle position.

Preparing the chip System Preparation Insert a new Protein Chip in the priming station Pipette 12 μL of Gel-Dye Mix in the well marked G (Up right) Set the plunger at 1 mL and close the chip priming station Press the plunger until it is held by the clip Wait 60 seconds and then release the clip Wait 5 seconds and slowly pull back the plunger to the 1 mL mark Open the chip priming station Remove the solution in this well Pipette 12 μL of Gel-Dye Mix into the well marked G (UP right) and in all remaining wells marked with G Pipette 12 μL of Destaining Solution in the well marked with DS Loading of the Ladder and the Sample:

-   -   Transfer 6 μL of each sample into a sample well and as well 64         of the ladder in the dedicated well, which is clearly indicated         with a ladder symbol.

Place the chip into the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and start the analysis within 5 min.

Example of sample set Well Sample Amount μL 1 Blank 6 2 Blank 6 3 Unknown sample1 rep1 6 4 Unknown sample1 rep2 6 5 Unknown sample2 rep1 6 6 Unknown sample2 rep2 6 7 Unknown sample3 rep1 6 8 Unknown sample3 rep2 6 9 Current Reference Material rep1 6 10 Current Reference Material rep2 6 Ladder Ladder 6 Data Analysis and Evaluation of the Results:

To gain results the following minimum operations have to be executed

-   -   Place the chip in the specific spot and close the lid.     -   In the instrument context select         Assay—Electrophoresis—Protein—Protein 230 Plus.     -   Click on START to start the analysis, which is completed within         30 minutes.     -   The raw data are shown by clicking on “Data Analysis” where all         experiments, carried out at the day, are listed. Click on the         experiment of interest and select it.     -   The gel generated from the chosen experiment is automatically         opened.     -   Data can be shown as an electropherograrn or gel-like image.

Detailed information regarding the integration of the peaks in the electropherogram (to gain the purity data) is included in the manual of the software. The purity of a sample is automatically given by the system by automatic integration, but if needed, the manual integration can be applied.

Results:

In non reducing condition the results are indicated as % Purity, and % LMW (sum of peaks before monomer).

In reducing condition the results are indicated as % Purity, as sum of heavy chain and light chain.

The indicative molecular weight values are reported in the table below:

Indicative molecular weight of Adalimumab Condition Results KDa Non Reducing Monomer 151 Reducing LC 27 HC 58 2. Unfolding Temperature—DSF

DSF (differential scanning fluorimetry) was performed as follows:

2 microliters of Sypro Orange (Orange protein gel stain, cod. S6650, Life Technologies) previously diluted 500-fold in water for injection were added to 20 microliters of drug product solution. Upon addition of Sypro Orange, the DP solutions (triplicate preparation) are filled in 96-well plates (MicroAmp Fast 96-W Reaction Plate 0.1 mL, cod. 4346907). The plates are then sealed with a protective, transparent cover (MicroAmp Optical Adhesive Film, cod. 4311971) and then subjected to centrifugation to remove air bubbles. The plates are then inserted in the 7500 Fast Real-Time AB Applied Biosystem PCR system and scanned for emission profiles at temperatures from room temperature to 90-100° C. The dependence of intensity of fluorescence emission on temperature is a curve which typically shows an inversion point/discontinuation at the denaturation temperature, parameter used to compared the different compositions.

3. Isoforms Profile—iCE280

cIEF by iCE280 (isoforms profile): After purification and removal of salts with centrifugation in Amicon Ultra-4 centrifugal devices (cut off 10 kDa), the samples were pre-diluted to the concentration of 5.0 mg/mL with purified water. A second dilution was then made to 1.0 mg/mL with a solution composed of: methyl cellulose, Pharmalyte 5-8 (GE Healthcare), Pharmalyte 8-10.5 (GE Healthcare), low pI marker 7.05 (Protein Simple), high pI marker 9.50 (Protein Simple) and purified water. Upon dilution the samples were centrifuged at 10000 rpm for 3 minutes. An additional centrifugation step 2 minutes at 7000 rpm) is then conducted on 150 microL of each sample transferred in glass inserts. The cIEF (capillary isoelectric focusing) was carried out with the iCE280 system by Protein Simple, using capillary cartridges Fc with 100 micron ID coating and total length of 50 nm (Cat. No. 101700/101701 by Protein Simple). The separation of the various isoforms is made using 100 mM sodium hydroxide (in 0.1% methyl cellulose) as a cathodic solution and 80 mM o-phosphoric acid (in 0.1% methyl cellulose) as an anodic solution. The electropherogram is acquired at 280 nm over pre-focusing and focusing times of 1 and 6 minutes respectively, at a voltage of 1500 V (pre-focusing) and 3000 V (focusing).

4. Protein Content—OD

OD (protein content) measurements were taken on samples which were initially diluted gravimetrically (triplicate independent dilutions were made) with relevant buffer or placebo from starting concentration to about 10 mg/mL. The diluted solutions were tested for absorbance at 280 and 320 nm in 0.1 cm pathlength quartz cuvettes, at room temperature, with a double-beam spectrophotometer (Lambda35 by Perkin Elmer). The value of 1.35 was used as molar extinction coefficient of Adalimumab.

5. Aggregates Determination—SE-HPLC

The samples were diluted with DPBS 1× to a concentration of 0.5 mL and injected (20 microL injection volume) in a Column TSK gel Super SW3000 4.6 mm ID×30.0 cm cod.18675 by Tosoh maintaining isocratic conditions (mobile phase: 50 mM Sodium Phosphate+0.4M Sodium perchlorate, pH 6.3±0.1). UV detection was made at 214 nm at a flow rate of 0.35 mL. The duration of each analytical run was 15 minutes. Prior to the analysis the samples were maintained at 2-8° C. in the autosampler of the Waters Alliance HPLC systems used for this test.

6. Turbidity—Nephelometry

Turbidity was assessed via nephelometric (effect based on the light diffusion effect caused by particles with dimensions typically <1 micron) measurements conducted with a turbidimeter 2100AN IS Turbidimeter by Hach at room temperature. Minimum amounts of 3 mL of solution were placed in reduced volume glass cuvettes and tested for diffusive effect after prior calibration of the instrument with a series of standard solutions (0.1-7500 NTU).

7 Osmolality Determination—Osmolality

Osmolality was measured based on the cryoscopic characteristic of the solutions. The tests were conducted with an Osmomat 030-D by Gonotech subjecting 50 microL of the sample to freezing. The freezing temperature depends on the osmolality of the solution (i.e. on the presence of agents dissolved such as salts, sugars, other ionic and non ionic species, etc).

8. pH Determination—pH

pH was determined using potentiometric measurements conducted at room room temperature with Mettler Toledo Seven Multi pH meters.

9. Particle Count—Sub-Visible Particles

The samples were 5-fold diluted with purified water to a final volume of 25 mL. The number of particles are determined at room temperature by PAMAS SVSS by Aminstruments collecting four independent runs and averaging the results for each respective dimensional fraction of interest.

Example 1—Formulations for First Formulation Screen

The following first set of formulations (often referenced herein as DoE1 formulations) are shown below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 List of DoE1 formulations for later Screen Experiments 1 Salt (NaCl) Buffer Form conc type # (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer 18 25 Histidine 6.0 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 19 50 Histidine 6.0 Lysine Hydrochloride (100 mM) 20 100 Histidine 6.0 Mannitol (200 mM) 21 50 Histidine 6.2 Lysine Hydrochloride (100 mM) 22 50 Histidine 6.2 Arginine Monohydrocloride + Aspartic Acid (80 mM + 20 mM) 23 75 Histidine 6.2 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 24 25 Histidine 6.4 Mannitol (200 mM) 25 100 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM)

The formulations of Table 1 were manufactured starting from a preformulated, surfactant-free DS material.

An aliquot of the DS has been diafiltrated with 10 mM histidine buffer at pH 6.0 until a three-fold volume exchange with the buffer was achieved. Then the required excipients have been added to the buffer-exchanged DS materials and the pH adjusted to the target by addition of a diluted solution of sodium hydroxide. Each formulation was filtered through 0.22 μm PES filters.

In Table 2, the results in terms of material recovery and osmolality for the three buffer-exchanges DS materials are reported.

TABLE 2 Recovery and osmolality of the DS materials after buffer exchange Starting After Exchange DS Starting DS Protein Final Final Protein volume Concentration Treated Volume Concentration Recovered Recovery Osmolality Buffer (mL) (mg/mL) (mg) (mL) (mg/mL) (mg) (%) (mOsm/kg) Histidine 200 63.3 12660 200 56.9 11380 90 23

There was good recovery for the histidine buffer system 90%). The osmolality values indicate the satisfactory degree of buffer exchange reached, with a minimal residual of species coming from the originating DS.

Example 2—Formulations for Second Formulation Screen

The following second set of formulations (often referenced herein as DoE2 formulations) are shown below in Table 3 (as derived from Table 4 below that).

TABLE 3 List of DoE2 formulations for later Screen Experiments 2 (formulations derived from that presented in Table 4 with the extra surfactant indicated) Polysorbate 80 concentration (mg/mL) Formulations 0 0.5 1 Form 7 (deriving from Form C, Table 4) X — — Form 8 (deriving from Form C, Table 4) — x — Form 9 (deriving from Form C, Table 4) — — x

TABLE 4 Formulation prototype deriving from the DoE1 screen Salt (NaCl) Buffer type Form mM (10 mM) pH Stabilizer C 100 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM)

The DoE2 formulations (Table 3) were manufactured starting from a preformulated, surfactant-free, DS material.

Three aliquots of the DS have been diafiltrated until a three-fold volume exchange was achieved. Then the required excipients have been added to the buffer-exchanged DS materials and the pH adjusted to the target by addition of a diluted solution of sodium hydroxide. Each formulation was filtered through 0.22 μm PES filters.

In Table 5, the results in terms of osmolality and turbidity for the buffer-exchanges DS materials are reported.

The osmolality values (≤40 mOsm/kg) indicated the satisfactory degree of buffer exchange reached, with a minimal residual of species coming from the originating DS.

TABLE 5 Osmolality and turbidity of the DS materials after buffer exchange Turbidity Osmolality Buffer (NTU) (mOsm/kg) Histidine 50 26

Example 3—Comparative Formulations for Both First and Second Screens

For comparison and control purposes, three reference formulations were prepared or obtained, including Ref-1 (Humira® composition manufactured by the Applicant); Ref-2 (RMP US—Humira® commercial drug product from the USA); and Ref-3 (RMP EU—Humira® commercial drug product from the EU). All of these reference formulations had the composition shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Composition of Humira DP Amount per container (mg) Amount Ingredient (filling volume = 0.8 mL) (mg/mL) Adalimumab 40 50 Citric Acid Monohydrate 1.04 1.3 Dibasic sodium phosphate 1.22 1.53 dehydrate Mannitol 9.6 12 Monobasic sodium phosphate 0.69 0.86 dehydrate Polysorbate 80 0.8 1 Sodium chloride 4.93 6.16 Sodium citrate 0.24 0.3 WFI and sodium hydroxide q.b. to adjust q.b. to adjust pH to 5.2 pH to 5.2 Screening

A first formulation screen (DoE1) led to the identification of various factors (e.g. pH, presence of NaCl, excipient type) responsible for protein stability, and ultimately to the selection of formulations to be pursued in a second screen (DoE2), which sought to fine-tune the formulations and evaluate how surfactants, such as Polysorbate 80, can impact the stability of the protein.

Each of the two screens involved various analytical testing, as defined hereinbefore and referred to hereinafter, upon a range of different formulations which were exposed to varying levels of thermal, mechanical, and light stress over prolonged periods (e.g. 1 month). These formulation screens enabled the gathering of a significant amount of data, which provided surprising and valuable insights allowing for the development of new advantageous formulations.

The results of the two formulations screens are presented below.

Screening Experiment 1—Analysis and Screening of Example 1 Formulations Against Comparative Formulations of Example 3

Preliminary DoE screening (Step 1) evaluated the effect that ionic strength (given by NaCl), pH and different stabilizers exerts on the protein in the course of short term stability studies.

A response surface D-Optimal statistical design has been applied. Three factors were considered:

-   -   Ionic strength (driven by NaCl concentration, which was varied         in the range 25 mM-100 mM and was set as a numeric factor),     -   pH (the range 4.6-6.4) buffered by histidine was investigated;     -   Stabilizer/Excipient (categoric factor comprising several         levels: Lysine Hydrochloride, Arginine+Aspartic Acid, Mannitol,         Trehalose Dihydrate).

These formulations were manufactured, as described in Example 1 above, starting from DS without Polysorbate 80 and were therefore surfactant-free.

Table 7 below summarizes the formulations tested within this screening. In addition to the 8 formulations proposed, two controls have also been analyzed as comparators:

-   -   Humira commercial drug product DP (Formulated as per Example 3         above)     -   MS drug substance DS formulated as Humira commercial DP         (Formulated as per Example 3 above)

TABLE 7 List of DoE1 formulations (Step 1) screened through thermal stress conditions (stability at 40° C.) and high throughput determination of protein unfolding temperature (DSF). Salt (NaCl) Buffer Form conc type # (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer 18 25 Histidine 6.0 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 19 50 Histidine 6.0 Lysine Hydrochloride (100 mM) 20 100 Histidine 6.0 Mannitol (200 mM) 21 50 Histidine 6.2 Lysine Hydrochloride (100 mM) 22 50 Histidine 6.2 Arginine Monohydrocloride + Aspartic Acid (80 mM + 20 mM) 23 75 Histidine 6.2 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 24 25 Histidine 6.4 Mannitol (200 mM) 25 100 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) Ref-1 Humira composition (formulation manufactured (MS) with MS Drug Substance) - Example 3 Ref-2 Humira commercial DP (USA) - Example 3 (RMP US) Ref-3 Humira commercial DP (EU) - Example 3 (RMP EU)

The formulations were tested according to the plan reported in Table 8. Thermal stress up to 1 month at 40° C. was considered. High throughput assessment made with the DSF technique (aimed at a fast screening based on determination of protein unfolding temperature) was performed at TO.

TABLE 8 Panel of analytical tests carried out on preliminary DoE formulations (Step 1): 1-month thermal stress conditions at 40° C. Accelerated (40° C.) Stability time (weeks) Methods Test 0 2w 4w OD Content × — × SE-HPLC Aggregates × × × Bionalyzer Purity × × × pH pH × × × Osmolality Osmolality × — — DSF Unfolding T × — — 1.1 Osmolality Screen

The osmolality of the DoE1 formulations compounded starting from the buffer exchanges DS materials (par. 5.1.1) is reported in Table 9.

Most formulations were found in the range of osmolality of 250-400 mOsm/kg, while slightly higher values were observed at the highest sodium chloride concentrations.

TABLE 9 Osmolality (mOsm/kg) recorded at time 0 for DoE1 screening formulations Salt (NaCl) Buffer Form concentra- type # tion (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer Time 0 18 25 Histidine 6.0 Trehalose dihydrate 0.324 (200 mM) 19 50 Histidine 6.0 Lysine Hydrochloride 0.317 (100 mM) 20 100 Histidine 6.0 Mannitol (200 mM) 0.458 21 50 Histidine 6.2 Lysine Hydrochloride 0.317 (100 mM) 22 50 Histidine 6.2 Arginine Monohydrocloride + 0.307 Aspartic Acid (80 mM + 20 mM) 23 75 Histidine 6.2 Trehalose dihydrate 0.434 (200 mM) 24 25 Histidine 6.4 Mannitol (200 mM) 0.307 25 100 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate 0.496 (200 mM) Reference In-House (Humira composition, Merck Serono DS) 0.374 RMP (USA) Humira NA RMP (EU) Humira 0.310 1.2 Protein Content (OD)

The protein content of the DoE1 formulations was determined at time 0 and after 1 month at 40° C.

FIG. 1 is a bar chart showing the protein content (mg/mL) of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after 4 weeks (red bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

The results presented in FIG. 1, indicated no significant changes occurring over time. All concentrations were found in line with the target of 50 mg/mL.

1.3 Aggregation (SE-HPLC)

FIG. 2 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (green bars) and 4 weeks (orange bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C. The total aggregates observed by SE-HPLC over stability at 40° C. are graphically represented in FIG. 2. Minimal increases in aggregation were observed in all formulation. However, even after 1 month, all aggregation levels amounted to less than 1%.

1.4 Fragmentation (Bioanalyzer)

FIG. 3 is a bar chart showing the % fragmentation, as determined by a Bioanalyzer, of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (dark blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (pink bars) and 4 weeks (light blue bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

In FIG. 3, the variation of fragments over time as determined by Bioanalyzer is reported. Formulations at more acidic pH tend to undergo faster fragmentation rates. Moreover, the presence of aminoacids at this pH range can considerably worsen the stability profile.

At pH >6.0 and in presence of sugar/polyols, all the formulas, including the references, are comparable (fragmentation lower than 1% after 1 month at 40° C.).

Sodium chloride was not found to be a factor critical to stability in the range 25-100 mM.

1.5 pH Screening

Table 10 shows the pH of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (time=0) and after both 2 weeks and 4 weeks of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

As can be seen from Table 10, no deviations from targeted pH were observed.

TABLE 10 pH of DoE1 screening formulations determined over stability at 40° C. Stability time Form Salt (NaCl) Buffer type 2 weeks 4 weeks # conc (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer Time 0 40° C. 40° C. 18 25 Histidine 6.0 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 6.0 5.9 6.0 19 50 Histidine 6.0 Lysine Hydrochloride (100 mM) 6.0 6.0 6.0 20 100 Histidine 6.0 Mannitol (200 mM) 6.0 6.0 6.0 21 50 Histidine 6.2 Lysine Hydrochloride (100 mM) 6.2 6.2 6.2 22 50 Histidine 6.2 Arginine Monohydrocloride + Aspartic 6.2 6.2 6.2 Acid (80 mM + 20 mM) 23 75 Histidine 6.2 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 6.3 6.2 6.2 24 25 Histidine 6.4 Mannitol (200 mM) 6.4 6.4 6.4 25 100 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 6.4 6.4 6.4 Reference In-House (Humira composition, Merck Serono DS) 5.2 5.2 5.2 RMP (USA) Humira 5.3 5.3 5.3 RMP (EU) Humira 5.3 5.3 5.3 1.6 Unfolding Temperature (DSF)

DSF is a high throughput method which aims at the determination of the unfolding temperature of proteins by virtue of increasing interactions with fluorescent probes as temperature ramps are applied to the samples. When the protein starts to unfold, it will progressively expose hydrophobic patches to the solvent attracting the fluorescent probes that will pass from the free state in solution (non fluorescent) to the bound state (via hydrophobic interactions) with the protein, thus increasing the degree of fluorescent signal.

From the evaluation of the fluorescence signal, it was possible to determine the midpoint of the sigmoidal curves, which indicates the transition point of each formulation. It is assumed that the higher the transition point, the higher the resistance of the formula to thermal stress.

The results of the assessment conducted on the DoE1 screening formulations are reported in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a bar chart showing the unfolding temperature (° C.), as determined by DSF, of the DoE1 formulations (of Example 1), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations).

The unfolding temperature of the three reference formulations is 71-72° C. Few formulations, aside from the references, were found to have unfolding temperatures higher than 70° C., but those that did include:

-   -   Formulations 23, 24 and 25 (formulations in histidine buffer pH         6.2-6.4 in presence of either Trehalose dihydrate or D-Mannitol         at varying sodium chloride concentrations).

Therefore, this test confirmed the results previously obtained for fragmentation by Bioanalyzer: polyols/sugars can positively impact the thermal stability of the protein, especially at pH 6.2, while sodium chloride does not seem to significantly affect its behavior.

1.7 Iso Forms Profile Change Vs RMP

The isoforms profile of DoE screening formula 25 has been tested after 10-11 weeks at 40° C. and compared to Reference samples.

The data, in terms of main peak and acidic cluster variations, are reported in Table 11.

Comparable variations are obtained for the four samples tested, with slightly better performance exhibited by Formulation 25 (in histidine).

TABLE 11 Isoforms profile by iCE280 of most promising formulations from DoE screening 1 and references. ID Time 0 10 weeks (40° C.) 11 weeks (40° C.) Main DoE1-25 56.5 — 42.2 Ref-1 (MS) 55.8 38.5 — Ref-3 RMP (EU) 56.5 40.7 — Ref-2 RMP (US) 56.8 40.6 — Acidic cluster DoE1-25 19.5 — 36.9 Ref-1 (MS) 19.8 40.5 — Ref-3 RMP (EU) 19.5 38.9 — Ref-2 RMP (US) 20.2 39.8 — Conclusion of Screening Experiment 1

The results obtained from Bioanalyzer and DSF testing were combinately evaluated by means of the ANOVA model for response surfaces in order to determine the best compositions that can possibly guarantee the highest thermal stability to the protein.

The list of the compositions recommended are reported in Table 12, which also compares the performances of the resulting prototypes formulations with the Humira RMP, in terms of unfolding temperature and fragmentation change over 1 month at 40° C.

Formulation C corresponds to DoE1 Formulation 25 and the real data were reported.

Comparing these formulas to the RMP it can be concluded that the behavior of these prototype formulations in response to thermal stress is comparable with that observed for the RMP.

TABLE 12 Outcome of DoE1 experiments: recommended compositions for second screen Salt (NaCl) Buffer type Form mM (10 mM) pH Stabilizer C 100 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM)

Somewhat unexpectedly, formulations containing trehalose dihydrate as the sole stabilizer performed extremely well, especially in terms of fragmentation inhibition, unfoliding inhibition, and pH maintenance. Such trehalose-based formulations also exhibited good performance in terms of aggregation and precipitation. That trehalose was such a strong candidate as a stabiliser, especially on its own, was extremely promising in view of its antioxidant properties, which would impart further long-term chemical stability (especially vis a vis oxidation and/or photo-oxidation) to adalimumab formulations. Furthermore, that trehalose can be used alone and yet still exhibit excellent performance, was considered especially encouraging and paved the way to less complex formulations employing fewer components—this would in turn reduce processing and costs associated with the production of the relevant adalimumab drug product. As such, these trehalose-based formulations were taken into a second round of screening experiments in order to fine-tune the formulations.

Screening Experiment 2—Analysis and Screening of Example 2 Formulations Against Comparative Formulations of Example 3

A formulation prototype from the previous screen was identified (Table 12). Since the previous step was conducted with no surfactant added, the second step aimed to screen a series of levels of compounded Polysorbate 80 surfactant (range: 0-1 mg/mL) in order to assess whether surfactant addition is required to favor protein stability.

Table 3 (Example 2) summarizes the design of this second step of the study and lists the formulations (DoE2 formulations) tested in this second screening exercise.

Typically, surfactants have been observed to contrast mechanical stress-induced aggregation and shaking stress tests have been therefore executed so as to evaluate how Polysorbate 80 affects protein stability and response to shaking.

As with Step 1, the reference compositions described in Example 3 have also been evaluated so as to provide a baseline for the development of a new formulation.

The complete list of analyses conducted on this block of formulations is reported in Table 13. In this second screen, the respective formulations were exposed to three different types of stress, thermal, mechanical, and light.

TABLE 13 Panel of analytical tests carried out on DoE2 formulations (Step 2): 1-month thermal stress conditions at 40° C. (A), shaking stress at 200 rpm (B) and light exposure according to ICH Q1B (C). A. Thermal stress at 40° C. Accelerated (40° C.) Stability time (weeks) Methods Test 0 2 w 4 w OD Content x — x iCE280 Isoforms x x x SE-HPLC Aggregates x x x Bionalyzer Purity x x x pH pH x x x Osmolality Osmolality x — — Nephelometry Turbidity x x x DSF Unfolding T x — — B. Shaking stress conditions Shaking stress (200 rpm) Stability time (hours) Methods Test 0 24 h 48 h OD Content x — — SE-HPLC Aggregates x x x Bioanalyzer Purity x x x pH pH x x x Nephelometry Turbidity x x x C. Light Exposure 7 hours of exposure at 765 W/m² (ICH Q1B). Light exposure Sample Methods Test Time 0 Exposed OD Content x — iCE280 Isoforms x x SE-HPLC Aggregates x x Bioanalyzer Purity x x pH pH x x Nephelometry Turbidity x x

Thermal stress tests were performed by simply heating a sample of the relevant formulations at the stipulated temperature for the stipulated amount of time (typically 2 weeks or 4 weeks/1 month).

Mechanical stress tests were performed by simply mechanically shaking a sample of the relevant formulations at room temperature at 200 rpm for the stipulated period of time (typically 24 hours or 48 hours).

Light stress tests were performed by simply exposing a sample of the relevant formulations to 765 W/m² light (in accordance with ICH Q1B guidelines of the European Medicines Agency in relation to photostability testing of new active substances and medicinal products) for 7 hours.

2.1 Osmolality

The osmolality of the DoE2 screening formulations are reported in Table 14. The values, comprised in the range 378-401 mOsm/kg are probably overestimated due to the presence of Trehalose dihydrate that can lead to some increase in viscosity affecting the cryoscopic point of the solutions and hence the osmolality. This was confirmed by measurements in relation to other test formulations, which were 3-fold diluted with WFI prior to the osmolality test in order to decrease the viscosity: the real osmolality of all these formulas is <350 mOsm/kg.

TABLE 14 Osmolality of DoE2 screening formulations (tested undiluted) Surfactant Salt (NaCl) (Polysorbate 80) Form concentration Buffer type concentration # (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer (mg/mL) Time 0 DoE2-7 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0 381 DoE2-8 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0.5 381 DoE2-9 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 1 378 2.2 Protein Content (OD)

The protein content of all the DoE2 formulations at time 0 were in line with the protein concentration target of 50 mg/mL (Table 15).

TABLE 15 Protein content (OD) of DoE2 screening formulations (tested undiluted) Surfactant Salt (NaCl) (Polysorbate 80) Form concentration Buffer type concentration # (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer (mg/mL) Time 0 DoE2-7 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0 49.9 DoE2-8 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0.5 50.2 DoE2-9 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 1 50.4 2.3 Aggregates with Thermal Stress (SE-HPLC)

The variations in total aggregates by SE-HPLC are presented in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (red bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (green bars) and 4 weeks (purple bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

Minimal changes were observed for all the formulation, being the total aggregates amount after 1 month at 40° C. below 1%.

The performances of the DoE2 screening formulations are comparable/slightly better than those of the RMP materials.

2.4 Fragmentation with Thermal Stress (Bioanalyzer)

The variations in fragments by Bioanalyzer are presented in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a bar chart showing the % fragmentation, as determined by a Bioanalyzer, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (red bars) and 4 weeks (green bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

Formulation DoE2-7 (no Polysorbate 80) undergoes a consistent increase in fragments whilst the other two, in presence of surfactant, were found to be comparable to the RMP materials. Considering the data available from the DoE1 experiments on formulation #25 (comparable to Form 7 of the DoE2), it can be concluded that the increased degradation of DoE2-7 can be attributed to a possible contamination of the sample.

2.5 Isoforms Profile with Thermal Stress (iCE280)

The main peak and acidic cluster changes of the three formulations over 1 month at 40° C. are reported in FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively

FIG. 7 is a bar chart showing the main peak isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (red bars) and 4 weeks (green bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

FIG. 8 is a bar chart showing the acid cluster peak(s) isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (red bars) and 4 weeks (green bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

The highest changes are observed in DoE2-7 (−15% in the main peak), but this may derive from a possible contamination of the sample, as previously highlighted.

These results confirm the experimental evidences already highlighted by iCE280 on the prototype formulations (resulting from the first screening): formulations in histidine present comparable degradation rates in terms of isoforms profile to RMP.

The results, in terms of acidic cluster, are in line with the observations made for the main peak.

2.6 pH Screen with Thermal Stress

The variation in pH of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) over a period of time during which the formulations are heated at 40° C. is shown in Table 16.

pH decreases were observed in DoE2-7, as shown in Table 16. This may derive from possible contaminations/bacteria proliferation in the samples.

TABLE 16 DoE2 screening: pH (thermal stress at 40° C.) Surfactant Salt (NaCl) (Polysorbate 80) Form concentration Buffer type concentration 2 weeks 4 weeks # (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer (mg/mL) Time 0 (40° C.) (40° C.) DoE2-7 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0 6.4 4.3 4.3 DoE2-8 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0.5 6.4 6.4 6.4 DoE2-9 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 1 6.4 6.4 6.4 2.7 Turbidity with Thermal Stress (Nephelometry)

FIG. 9 is a bar chart showing the turbidity, as determined by Nephelometry, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 2 weeks (red bars) and 4 weeks (green bars) of the formulation(s) being heated at 40° C.

The turbidity of the three formulations is, time 0, in the range of typically opalescent solutions (6-18 NTU). With respect to the originating DS materials, of typical turbidity of 19-52 NTU, the DP solutions after aseptic filtration are considerably clarified.

Importantly, turbidity values of Humira RMP are normally around 10 NTU, in line with our formulas.

2.8 Aggregates with Mechanical Stress (SE-HPLC)

FIG. 10 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 24 hours (red bars) and 48 hours (green bars) of the formulation(s) being mechanically agitated (shaking).

The variations in total aggregates by SE-HPLC are presented in FIG. 10.

Minimal changes (+0.1%) were observed for all the formulations in histidine buffer.

2.9 Fragmentation with Mechanical Stress (Bioanalyzer)

FIG. 11 is a bar chart showing the % fragmentation, as determined by a Bioanalyzer, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 24 hours (red bars) and 48 hours (green bars) of the formulation(s) being mechanically agitated (shaking).

The variations in fragments by Bioanalyzer are presented in FIG. 11. Minimal changes are observed, being all the values recorded equal to or lower than 0.5%.

After 48 hour shaking at room temperature all the samples presented fragmentation in the range 0.2-0.4%. No trend towards fragmentation increases was highlighted upon mechanical shaking.

2.10 pH Screening with Mechanical Stress

The variation in pH of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) over a period of time during which the formulations are mechanically agitated (shaking) is shown in Table 17. No changes where observed.

TABLE 17 DoE2 screening: pH (mechanical shaking) Surfactant Salt (NaCl) (Polysorbate 80) Form concentration Buffer type concentration # (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer (mg/mL) Time 0 24 hours 48 hours DoE2-7 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0 6.4 6.5 6.5 DoE2-8 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0.5 6.4 6.4 6.4 DoE2-9 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 1 6.4 6.4 6.4 2.11 Turbidity with Mechanical Stress (Nephelometry)

FIG. 12 is a bar chart showing the turbidity, as determined by Nephelometry, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) at an arbitrary start point (blue bars, time=0) and after both 24 hours (red bars) and 48 hours (green bars) of the formulation(s) being mechanically agitated (shaking). No changes were observed.

2.12 Aggregates with Light Stress (SE-HPLC)

FIG. 13 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

Comparisons were also made with Humira samples (from US and EU) treated at the same conditions. In the RMP, aggregation increases up to 9-15% upon light exposure (at time 0 aggregates are lower than 1%). All the DoE2 formulations present lower or comparable increases and therefore better/similar resistance to thermal stress. More in detail:

-   -   Formulations in histidine buffer: 5.8→9.2% total aggregates upon         light exposure         2.13 Fragmentation with Light Stress (Bioanalyzer)

FIG. 14 is a bar chart showing the % fragmentation, as determined by a Bioanalyzer, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

Minimal increases were highlighted (+0.3% at most, after exposure). All fragmentation amounts are well below 1% after 7-hour exposure (FIG. 14).

2.14 Isoforms Profile with Light Stress (iCE2280)

FIG. 15 is a bar chart showing the main peak isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

FIG. 16 is a bar chart showing the acid cluster peak(s) isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations), before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars).

In the Humira RMP, the light exposure determines significant effects: most relevantly, decreases in main peak abundance (around −9%) and concurrent increase in acidic cluster (up to +15%), related to photoxidation phenomena, are observed.

Formulas in histidine were found to be more susceptible to degradation resulting from light exposure than the RMP: decreases in main peak abundance are −11.4% (DoE2-7) or even more (around −18% for the others), increases in acidic cluster amounted to up to +27%.

Histidine is susceptible to oxidation deriving from both extensive light exposure and degradation products (typically peroxides) released by polysorbates under stressing conditions. Therefore, polysorbate 80+histidine is a combination which may create increased instability under light stress.

In order to better elucidate the impact of surfactant and determine whether it is required to prevent protein degradation/particle formation upon freeze-thawing cycles, dedicated experiments were performed which highlighted that no added value is given by Polysorbate 80. This could eventually lead to a surfactant-free back up formula in histidine.

2.15 Turbity with Light Stress (Nephelometry)

FIG. 17 is a bar chart showing the turbidity, as determined by Nephelometry, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before exposure to light (blue bars, time=0) and after 7-hour light exposure at 765 W/m² (red bars). Essentially no changes were observed.

2.16 pH Screen with Light Stress

The variation in pH of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), over a period of time during which the formulations are exposed for 7-hours to light at 765 W/m², is shown in Table 18. No changes where observed.

TABLE 18 DoE2 screening: pH (light exposure) Surfactant Salt (NaCl) (Polysorbate 80) Form concentration Buffer type concentration After # (mM) (10 mM) pH Stabilizer (mg/mL) Time 0 exposure DoE2-7 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0 6.4 6.5 DoE2-8 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 0.5 6.4 6.5 DoE2-9 50 Histidine 6.4 Trehalose dihydrate (200 mM) 1 6.4 6.5 2.17 Effect of Surfactant on Freeze-Thawing Cycles

Isoforms profiles, aggregates and sub-visible particles of the three DoE2 formulations have been determined before and after five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature) in order to assess whether the surfactant exerts any impact.

FIG. 18 is a bar chart showing the main peak isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

FIG. 19 is a bar chart showing the acid cluster peak(s) isoforms profile, as determined by iCE280 analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

FIG. 20 is a bar chart showing the % aggregation, as determined by SE-HPLC, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2), along with reference standards (representing comparator HUMIRA® formulations) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

FIG. 21 is a bar chart showing the number concentration (#/mg) of sub-visible particles with a particle size less than or equal to 10 microns, as determined by sub-visible particle count analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

FIG. 22 is a bar chart showing the number concentration (#/mg) of sub-visible particles with a particle size less than or equal to 25 microns, as determined by sub-visible particle count analysis, of the DoE2 formulations (of Example 2) before (blue bars, time=0) and after m² (red bars) five freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature).

No changes in isoforms and in aggregates were observed (FIGS. 18-20) upon freeze-thawing, whilst minimal, non critical changes (FIGS. 21-22) in sub-visible particles were highlighted, and found to be non-related to the presence of surfactant. Higher particles count in DoE2-8 to be most likely related to sample manufacturing.

Therefore, there is no added value in adding a surfactant with the aim of preventing particles and aggregates formation/protein degradation in the course of freeze-thawing cycles. This highlights the effectiveness of the novel formulations irrespective of surfactant.

Conclusion of Screening Experiment 2

On the basis of the data collected, relevant to thermal, mechanical and light stress, the following conclusion can be made:

Formulations in 10 mM Histidine Buffer at pH 6.4 (DoE2-7, DoE2-8, DoE2-9):

-   -   Upon thermal stress, performances comparable to Humira were         highlighted     -   Minimal increase in aggregation upon mechanical shaking.     -   Increased degradation and isoforms profile change with respect         to Humira due to susceptibility of histidine to light and         degradation products from Polysorbate 80. The formulation         without Polysorbate 80 in this group (Doe2-7) is still slightly         worse than RMP, but remarkably better than the others in         histidine+Polysorbate 80 (0.5 or 1.0 mg/mL).

The presence of Polysorbate 80 has been evaluated to assess its effectiveness and function as a protectant for the protein (protection against freeze-thawing). Upon 5× freeze-thawing cycles (−80° C.→room temperature) it was observed that no added value is given by the surfactant, and the recommendation is to further progress DoE2-7 which is surfactant-free (50 mg/mL Adalimumab, 200 mM Trehalose dihydrate, 50 mM sodium chloride in 10 mM histidine pH 6.4).

Based on the screening work carried out on different formulations varying in buffer/pH, stabilizer, isotonicity agent (NaCl) amount and surfactant (Polysorbate 80) level, the best composition, showing comparable or even improved characteristics with respect to Humira upon different stressing conditions (thermal, mechanical, light) has been identified as:

Ingredient Amount (mg/mL) Adalimumab 50    Histidine (anhydrous) 1.55 * Trehalose dihydrate 75.67 ** Sodium chloride  2.92 *** WFI and sodium hydroxide q.b. to adjust pH to 6.4 * corresponding to 10 mM histidine; ** corresponding to 200 mM; *** corresponding to 50 mM

Such formulations can be readily incorporated within pre-filled glass syringes with 29G ½″ needles).

ABBREVIATIONS

DoE Design of experiment

DP Drug product

DS Drug substance

DSF Differential scanning fluorimetry

OD Optical density

PES Polyethersulphone

rpm rounds per minute

RT Room Temperature

SE-HPLC Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography

SMI Summary manufacturing instructions

SOP Standard operating procedure

WI Working instruction 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) 45-55 mg/mL adalimumab; (b) a histidine buffering agent or histidine buffer system; (c) 100-250 mM sorbitol; and (d) 0.05 mg/mL to 1.5 mg/mL Polysorbate 20 and Polysorbate 80; wherein the composition: has a pH between 5.0 and 6.7; is free of amino acids other than histidine; and is free of phosphate buffering agents; and comprises at most one sugar stabilizer.
 2. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the adalimumab is present at a concentration of 50 mg/mL.
 3. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the histidine buffering agent or histidine buffer system is present at a concentration of at least 5 mM.
 4. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the sorbitol is present at a concentration of 100-210 mM.
 5. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the polysorbate 20 is present at a concentration of 0.5 to 1.1 mg/mL.
 6. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a citrate buffer.
 7. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises sodium chloride as a tonicifier present at a concentration of 25 to 75 mM.
 8. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the sorbitol is present at a concentration of 100 to 150 mM.
 9. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a non-buffering tonicifier which is the sorbitol.
 10. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises only a single non-buffering tonicifier, which is the sorbitol.
 11. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the pH of the composition is between 5.0 and 6.0.
 12. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition consists of: (a) 45-55 mg/mL adalimumab; (b) a histidine buffer system alone or in combination with a further buffer system; (c) 100-200 mM sorbitol; (d) 0.05-1.5 mg/mL polysorbate 20; and (e) water; wherein the composition has a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
 13. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition consists of: (a) 50 mg/mL adalimumab; (b) a histidine buffer system alone or in combination with a further buffer system; (c) 100-150 mM sorbitol; (d) 0.5-1.1 mg/mL polysorbate 20; and (e) water; wherein the composition has a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.
 14. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition consists of: (a) 50 mg/mL adalimumab; (b) a buffer system consisting of a histidine buffer system and a citrate buffer system; (c) 100-150 mM sorbitol; (d) 0.5-1.5 mg/mL polysorbate 20; and (e) water; wherein the composition has a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. 